This work investigates how Charles Darwin’s personal observations and evolutionary theories fundamentally shaped the development of modern psychological thought. Ben S. Bradley, a scholar in the history of psychology, examines the transition from Victorian-era philosophical inquiry to empirical psychological science. By analyzing Darwin’s private notebooks and published correspondence, the author constructs a framework that links biological adaptation to the evolution of human mental processes.

Scholars frequently cite this text for its rigorous archival research and its ability to contextualize Darwin’s work within the broader history of the social sciences. It is widely regarded as a specialized resource for students and researchers interested in the intellectual origins of psychological theory.