A new science of life

In this extraordinary and catalytic book, Rupert Shetdrake maintains that species and organisms can collectively learn, develop and adapt through a process which he calls morphic resonance. After rats, for example, have learned a new trick in one place, other rats elsewhere seem able to learn it more easily. VVhen the nests of termites are broken open, they quickly rebuild the damaged structures, VVhen new chemical compounds are made for thefirst time they are difficult to crystallize, but the more often they are made, the more readily their crystals form — all over the world. Why? Haw? Rupert Sheldrake’s answers provokeda furore when the first edition of A New Science of Life was originally published. He has debated his hypothesis all over the world and even addressed Congress in VVashington. Experiments are being carried out to test for the effects of morphic resonance; some have involved millions of people through the medium of television. All these developments are fully recorded in this second edition of A New Science of Life. ‘As far reaching as Darwin's theory of evolution’ ‘This infuriating book... is the best candidate for burning there has been for many years’ ‘Sheldrake works out some of the implications of his theory for biological form, evolution, memory and behaviour. They are fascinating and far-reaching, and would turn upside down a lot of orthodox science’ JOHN DAVY, Observer