The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species
by Aaron G. Filler, MD, PhD
Figure 2-1 Goethe's Proteus Theory for Plant and Animal Design from Zur Morphologie
Figure 2-1 – Goethe’s sketch of modular units in plants and insects
This partially completed drawing by Goethe included in his 1790 “Zur Morphologie” shows that he appeared to be looking for a common approach to a fundamental monomeric module in both plants and animals. Beyond the vertebral theory for which he is famous, this drawing shows he was trying to develop a concept that incorporated insect segments as well.
Goethe, J. W. v. (1817). Zur Naturwissenschaft überhaupt, besonders zur Morphologie. Stuttgard; Tübingen.