The Darwin family was instrumental in the history of botany. Their experiences illustrate the growing specialization and professionalization of science in the nineteenth century. The author shows how botany escaped the burdens of medicine, feminization and the sterility of classification and nomenclature to become a rigorous laboratory science.

The Darwin family was instrumental in the history of botany. For Erasmus (1731-1802), it was a hobby, for Charles (1809-1882) an inspiration, and for Francis (1848-1925), a profession. Their experiences illustrate the growing specialization and professionalization of science throughout the nineteenth century. Ayres shows how botany escaped the burdens of medicine, feminization and the sterility of classification and nomenclature to become a rigorous laboratory science.

Chapter 1: The Misfortunes of BotanyChapter 2: The Advantages of WealthChapter 3: Erasmus, Phytologia, and Early Studies of Plant FunctionChapter 4: Charles' Evolutionary PeriodChapter 5: Charles' Physiological Period: A Fascination with MovementChapter 6: Charles, Francis and Differences with von SachsChapter 7: Francis and Cambridge Plant PhysiologyChapter 8: Women in Life and the LaboratoryChapter 9: Fortune's Favourites? Their Legacy to Each OtherChapter 10: Where did their Botany Lead? Their Legacy for all Men