Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses Hewett Cottrell Watson's childhood, youth, early maturity and education. There is enough biographical information to gain insights into both his personality development and his achievements. It surveys his childhood experiences, which oriented him away from his father's outlook and profession, and made him receptive instead to phrenology and botany. The book encompasses the diverse aspects of his life and work after he left Edinburgh in 1833 until he and Charles Darwin published their seminal treatises in 1859. It deals with Watson establishing himself as an independent scientist and with the main contributions which he made to plant ecology and evolution. The book explores the striking similarities between Watson and Darwin's lives and work. It concerns the later years of Watson and Darwin. Both men continued their scientific research, writing, and interactions with colleagues as long as their health lasted.