The history and theory of vitalism

The History and Theory of Vitalism is based on the Gifford Lectures delivered by German biologist and philosopher Hans Driesch at the University of Aberdeen between 1907 and 1908. Driesch, who had gained prominence for his experiments on sea urchin embryos that suggested life processes could not be entirely reduced to physical or chemical laws, sought to formalize his philosophical defense of vitalism. The text represents a culmination of his attempts to reconcile biological observation with the concept of entelechy, or the vital force guiding organic development.

First published in English by Macmillan in 1914, the volume served as a significant contribution to the early 20th-century discourse between mechanical biology and non-mechanistic philosophy. The design and structure of the work reflect the academic rigor expected of a Gifford lecturer, prioritizing dense, argumentative prose intended to challenge the dominant materialist paradigms of the era. While Driesch's specific vitalist theories eventually fell out of favor within mainstream biological science as molecular genetics advanced, the book remains a classic reference point for students of the history of science and the philosophy of biology.