'This is revisionist history at its best. The death of Ernst Mayr, the last surviving father of the modern synthesis, makes the publication of this important book all the more timely. Highly recommended.' Choice 'The Changing Role of the Embryo paints a fascinating portrait of the ways in which histories of biology have served as philosophical weapons legitimizing specific ... Read moreforms of biological theory and practice … Philosophers of biology, historians of biology, and practicing biologists with an interest in history, should all read this book.' Journal of the History of Biology 'Amundson has written an interesting book, one worth reading. As a systematist with a concern for history rather than 'good causes', it still leaves me feeling much of interest is neglected (Williams & Ebach Submitted). Until that time comes, 'those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it', and those who invent is should simply be condemned.' The Systematist '… as The Changing Role of the Embryo in Evolutionary Thought demonstrates, understanding the deep epistemological and conceptual foundations of current research practices is clearly valuable. Amundson has taken an important first step, focusing largely on conceptual and ontological incompatibilities between scientific theories, thus suggesting some order among the ruins.' Science Show Less