On Comparative Longevity in Man and the Lower Animals


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A prize was recently offered in the University of Oxford for an Essay on Longevity, and was awarded to the little treatise now published. In the following pages the scope proposed in the subject given for the essay, viz. ‘The Comparative Longevity of different species of lower Animals and the Longevity of Man in different states of Civilization,'
has been adhered to. The subject does not admit of very satisfactory treatment from a scientific point of view, and is accordingly one which probably few persons would have
selected to write upon, unless under special circumstances, such as were present in this case. At the same time, Longevity is a subject of great popularity, and hence the facts and arguments herein set forth may, it is hoped, interest the public. One result which I hope to attain, by the favor of those who may read my pages, is the accumulation of an increased number of really trustworthy facts bearing on the questions raised. I venture to beg all those who have it in their power to communicate such facts to me, to do so.
- Summary by Edwin Ray Lankester (4 hr 22 min)

Chapters

Preface 1:47 Read by Stacey Malcolm
1. Introductory 2:44 Read by Cbteddy
2. Writers on Longevity, and general Sources of Information 21:35 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 3. Longevity defined 6:49 Read by Cbteddy
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 4. The various kinds of Longevity 18:43 Read by KevinS
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 5. Inherent Death 29:43 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 6. Elements of the life Period 3:08 Read by Azza
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 7. High Individuation favours Longevity 2:07 Read by Jesse L.
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 8. Small Expenditure favours Longevity 4:34 Read by Jason Anderson
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 9. Why Longevity is thus influenced 8:07 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 10. -part 1. Inductive 21:27 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 10. -part 2. Inductive 33:52 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 11. Other Relations of Longevity 8:41 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 12. Some Experimental Evidence 5:42 Read by Olga Geiling
A. Longevity in Organisms generally. 13. Summary 1:48 Read by Stacey Malcolm
B. The Longevity of Man. 14. Preliminary 16:10 Read by czandra
B. The Longevity of Man. 15. Sources of Information as to Human Longevity 13:22 Read by Olga Geiling
B. The Longevity of Man. 16. Statements as to the Duration of Human life 30:23 Read by Amy Gramour
B. The Longevity of Man. 17. General Conclusions from the foregoing Statements … 4:16 Read by czandra
B. The Longevity of Man. 18. Interpretation by the Law 8:47 Read by Cbteddy
B. The Longevity of Man. 19. Duration of Life in past Time 3:16 Read by Availle
B. The Longevity of Man. 20. The Influence of various States of Civilization 4:20 Read by Wayne Hom
B. The Longevity of Man. 21. Abnormal Longevity in Man 11:28 Read by Wayne Hom