The tree of knowledge Book

This is an uneven collection of assorted essays from the brilliant scientist Peter Medawar, published after his death. While Medawar is an elegant and eloquent writer, this book has the feeling of a record album of mediocre singles released after the death of the artist. Included, for instance, is a review by the author of the 1974 edition of Encyclopaedia Brittanica. There are a few high points, including a discussion of Karl Popper's scientific philosophy, and a lecture series on 'The Future of Man' which, though somewhat dated, makes some interesting observations on social evolution, which due to the power of language bypasses genetics and so ironically can be described as Lamarkian rather than Darwinian. This is not the best place to start with Peter Medawar; his autobiography ('Memoirs of a Thinking Radish') is a more compelling read.