Boltzmann and evolution: some basic questions of biology seen with atomistic glasses

Abstract

Ludwig Boltzmann’s visionary view of life being understandable on the molecular level as the interplay of complex molecules performing highly sophisticated chemical syntheses is discussed in the light of current molecular biology. Boltzmann’s high esteem for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is complemented by an account of the current view of selection as a general phenomenon not restricted to cellular life. In two more technical sections we present a brief overview of a molecular theory of evolution that provides a conceptual frame for understanding evolution and a tool for quantitative description of evolutionary phenomena.