August Weismann

Article abstract: Weismann is most noted for his development and refinement of the theory of the continuity of the germ plasm, for his devout support of Darwinism and the principle of natural selection, and for his discrediting the idea of the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Early Life

August Friedrich Leopold Weismann was born in Frankfurt am Main on January 17, 1834, to Johann Konrad August Weismann, a classics teacher at the Gymnasium in Frankfurt, and Elise Eleanore Lübbren Weismann, a musician and painter. He was the eldest of four...

[The entire page is 1928 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the: