"Irreducible Complexity" explained–in 1918

In 1918, Hermann Muller explained how evolution enabled systems of “interlocking complexity” to develop, largely by protein modification. The systems would start out being simple and not irreducible, then would garner links or steps over time and gradually change to become more interdependent, until they could no longer operate independently. That, of course, is the Intelligent Design state of irreducible complexity.

Muller gave real-world examples of systems in various stages of transition.

So the great conundrum of IC was solved 89 years ago!

Hermann Muller went on to win the 1946 Nobel Prize in medicine for his work in genetics and mutation.

Present on the way: Monkey Girl by Edward Humes

LotStreetWiz has ordered us a copy of Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion, and The Battle for America’s Soul, by Edward Humes. He was impressed by a favourable review in the Washington Post.

While the Discovery Institute touted its content-free but “seductively reasonable” argument to “teach the controversy,” the religiously inspired Thomas More Institute looked for a public school board that was willing to make a test case of mandating it.

Books by Edward Humes:
- Monkey Girl (2007)
- Over Here: How the G.I. Bill Transformed the American Dream (2006)
- School of Dreams: Making the Grade at a Top American High School (2003)
- Baby ER: The Heroic Doctors and Nurses Who Perform Medicine’s Tiniest Miracles
- Buried Secrets: A True Story of Serial Murder
- Murderer With a Badge: The Secret Life of a Rogue Cop
- No Matter How Loud I Shout: A Year in the Life of Juvenile Court (1996)
- Mean Justice: A Town’s Terror, a Prosecutor’s Power, a Betrayal of Innocence
- Mississippi Mud: Southern Justice and the Dixie Mafia

Edward Humes writes very interesting books. He obviously cares a great deal about crime, injustice, and trying to get things right. One of his first books was about how the juvenile courts both fail young offenders and fail to protect Americans against dangerous children. His research for Mississipi Mud was instrumental in catching the murderers of a judge and his wife. His Over Here documents one of the great unsung successes: the GI bill after World War II. Looking at this list, I can see why the shenannigans and issues around the Dover Intelligent Design trial would interest him.