The Cutting Edge of 



Evolution 



A century and a half ago, Charles Darwin forged possibly the most 



powerful weapon ever handed to science: his theory of evolution. With this 



hard-edged sword, scientists cut away bonds of ignorance, superstition, and 



arrogance that had shackled human understanding of life for thousands of 



years. The sword has become sharper with use. Today, we better 



understand life's beginnings and its changes and expansion over millions of 



years. Biologists now appreciate the dynamic relationships organisms have 



with one another and with the ever changing environment. They are 



beginning to fathom the roles of molecules and the intricacies of the 



genetic code. The Darwinian perspective is changing medical research. It is 



also illuminating our place — and our fate — in the glorious venture called 



life. This special issue is a sampler of evolutionary insights and research in 



progress. It commemorates the 125th anniversary of the American 



Museum of Natural History, the magazine's soul and home in New York 



City. Since its founding, the Museum has been a beacon for public 



education and research on evolution. — A. P. T. 



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