After a review of the circumstances that preceded the writing of On the origin of species, I analyze the structure of the work distinguishing three sets of chapters: those in which Darwin presents what I will characterize as the fundamental syllogism of his long argument; those where he answers possible objections to his thesis; and those where he develops the consequences of his theory, emphasizing its explanatory power. Finally, I will examine the reasons for which the latter part of the work, mainly focused on the theory of common descent, had a better reception, and a more immediate impact, than that dedicated to the theory of natural selection in itself.
Darwin; Evolutionary Biology; On the origin of species; Theory of common descent; Theory of natural selection
