Includes bibliographical references (p. {123}-129).

Collecting, classifying, and interpreting nature: Linnaeus and Buffon, 1735-1788 -- New specimens: transforming natural history into a scientific discipline, 1760-1840 -- Comparing structure: the key to the order of nature, 1789-1848 -- New tools and standard practices, 1840-1859 -- Darwin's synthesis: the theory of evolution, 1830-1882 -- Studying function: an alternative vision for the science of life, 1809-1900 -- Victorian fascination: the golden age of natural history, 1880-1900 -- New synthesis: the modern theory of evolution, 1900-1950 -- The naturalist as generalist: E.O. Wilson, 1950-1994.