Thomas Belt

A worthwhile read of an area of the world little known to me. Thomas Belt was an intelligent and careful observer of the exotic and wonderful natural world. Not only did he observe but he also sought reasons for what he saw. He took note of the way the natural world worked and produced theories as to why things should be so.
He combined the study of zoology, botany and geology with his knowledge of Central American antiquity, evolutionary theory and social philosophy to produce well reasoned opinions and opportunities for further research. All this while he managed a precarious gold mining operation in the central region of Nicaragua.
The book was produced in 1874 and amply identifies Belt as an ardent evolutionist. He was always interested in and searched for evidence of the new theory that reinvigorated biology.
Belt devotes much space to the idea of "mimicry" in respect of any resemblance between two species, both for protective and aggressive advantage it brings; and it is here that an appreciation of his patience and care in observation becomes clear.
This was a little gem of a book to read and an excellent natural history guide to Nicaragua..… (mere)