A Critique of Design-Arguments: A Historical Review and Free Examination of the Methods of Reasoning in Natural Theology

New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1883. Presumed first edition; no prior editions or printings indicated. Small octavo in dark maroon-brown cloth; xi, 417 pages; 21 cm. Moderate external wear; one signature slightly loose (only at top stitch); overall about very good(-). Hardcover.

Scarce in this original issue. "Lewis Ezra Hicks (1839 – 1921) was an American geologist, zoologist and college administrator. Career Hicks was born in Kalida, Ohio.... During the American Civil War he was Lieutenant Colonel in the 69th Ohio Infantry. He was educated at Denison University and graduated with an A. B. in 1868. He attended Harvard University where he pursued work in geology and zoology. He was a student of Louis Agassiz. He was Professor of Natural Science at Denison University (1870-1884) and professor of geology at University of Nebraska (1884-1891). He was a fellow and member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a founding member of the Geological Society of America. He was an editor for the journal American Geologist. In 1894, Hicks was appointed a missionary for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. Similar to Asa Gray, he believed that Darwin's theory of evolution and theism were compatible. From 1905 to 1911 he was president of Rangoon Baptist College in Burma. ... Hicks wrote a criticism of intelligent design arguments in 1883. [ Critique of Design Arguments ] Professor of Science Bruce H. Weber has noted that Hicks "warned of the ambiguity of conflating design seen as created contrivances with intent or purpose resulting from the action of natural law. He saw defenders of design logically and unjustifiably gliding from the first usage to the second in many of their arguments. For this reason alone, he thought design arguments should be banished."—Wikipedia. Natual Theology. Int;lligent Design; Evolution. Religion -- Philosophy. Théologie naturelle. Religion -- Philosophie. Natural theology. Religion -- Philosophy.