Nathaniel Shaler American paleontologist and geologist, author of a number of articles and works on the scientific and theological aspects and consequences of the theory of evolution. Date of Birth: 20.02.1841 Country: USA

Biography of Nathaniel Shaler

Nathaniel Shaler was an American paleontologist and geologist known for his contributions to the scientific and theological aspects of the theory of evolution. Born in 1841, Shaler received his education at Harvard University under the guidance of Louis Agassiz. After completing his studies in 1862, he joined Harvard as a lecturer and later became a professor of paleontology in 1869, followed by a professorship in geology in 1888. In 1891, he became the dean of the Lawrence School at Harvard.

In 1873, Shaler took on the role of director for the Kentucky Geological Survey project, which he worked on until its completion in 1880. In 1881, he was assigned a similar project on a national scale, where he was responsible for the Atlantic region. Shaler also contributed to agricultural issues in Massachusetts and served as the President of the Geological Society of America in 1895.

During the Civil War, Shaler served as an officer in the Union army. In the early years of his career, Shaler was a creationist and anti-Darwinist, influenced by his mentor, Louis Agassiz. However, as he solidified his position at Harvard, he began to consider Darwinism as a possible principle. While Shaler viewed Darwin's work through the lens of neo-Lamarckism, he was able to appreciate the significance of Darwin's contributions. He even expanded on Darwin's work, particularly in exploring the importance of earthworms in soil processing for other animal species.

Like many of his fellow evolutionists, Shaler attempted to incorporate the principles of natural selection into a framework of an ordered, purposeful, and progressive creation. He delved into deep discussions on the possibility of the origin of such a complex system of species through natural means and the potential for divine intervention in the process.

Shaler was also known for his staunch support of slavery and expressed his belief in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race over others. He endorsed and developed his teacher's theory of polygenism, which was used to justify racial discrimination. In his 1884 article, "The Negro Problem," Shaler claimed that freed African Americans "need the old protection of a strong governing hand" and that they increasingly succumb to their "animal nature" as they mature. He also argued that the American system of slavery was "infinitely superior in gentleness and dignity to all other systems of slavery."

Towards the end of his career as the dean of science at Harvard, Nathaniel Shaler remained one of the most popular educators at the university. He continued to actively conduct research and publish extensively, ranging from short articles to lengthy treatises. Shaler's interests were vast, encompassing moral and ethical questions, the origin of species, and topographical surveys.