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This classic in the literature on emotion first appeared in 1872, thirteen years after ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. Darwin's methods were so advanced and exact that they are still used by modern scientists although the latter have also some newer methods at their disposal. At a time when the prevalent psychological theories considered somatic (physiological, anatomical) factors practically as exclusive determinants of an individual's behavior, Darwin employed the concept of relating emotionally to other beings and to other significant environmental changes which affect an individual's immediate situation. Darwin described fine and clear distinctions among emotions. There is no formal definition of emotions in his book but Darwin referred repeatedly to sensations and desires. He subscribed to Herbert Spencer's distinction between emotions and feelings, and between emotions and sensations; both sensations and emotions (desires) were classified as feelings by Spencer. Darwin relied heavily on the concept of habit to explain the persistence and regularity of the forms of expression of emotions; this explanation is compatible with later Pavlovian and Freudian theories. It is probable that Darwin would have accepted the definition of emotion as desires to associate with, or dissociate from, others with the intent of continuing or discontinuing the exchange of pleasures or pains with them because this definition agrees well with Darwin's conceptual scheme and his factual observations. Margaret Mead wrote the brief and thoughtful preface to this new edition. The book is well illustrated and despite some factual errors will be read with interest and benefit by all who are interested in emotions.
[Z. A. P.]