The Wormstone Experiment

In the serene surroundings of Down House, nestled in the verdant countryside, a unique and intriguing experiment took place, offering remarkable insights into the understated yet impactful role of earthworms in shaping our environment. This was the Wormstone project, an ingenious brainchild of Horace Darwin, son of the famed naturalist Charles Darwin.

At the heart of this project lay a simple yet cleverly designed apparatus: a circular stone slab, unassumingly positioned on the northwest corner of the lawn. Beneath this slab, two vertical metal rods were securely anchored in the underlying chalk, extending upwards through a hole at the stone’s centre. This setup was deceptively straightforward, yet it served a crucial purpose.

Horace Darwin embarked on this project with a specific goal: to quantify earthworms’ subtle yet persistent activity in the soil. By meticulously observing the stone slab over time, he aimed to measure soil movement displaced by the worms’ ceaseless burrowing and tunnelling. The results of this experiment were both surprising and enlightening. Over the years, Horace observed that the stone sank steadily, approximately two millimetres per annum.

This seemingly minor displacement held profound implications. It underscored the earthworms’ significant, albeit often overlooked, role in soil dynamics and landscape formation. The Wormstone project thus served as a testament to the power of patient observation and meticulous research in uncovering the hidden forces that shape our natural world.

Through the Wormstone experiment, Horace Darwin contributed to our understanding of earthworm ecology. He honoured the legacy of his father, Charles Darwin, who had a longstanding fascination with these humble yet vital creatures. The Wormstone project stands as a symbol of scientific curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, demonstrating how even the simplest of experiments can yield profound insights into the workings of nature.

Reflect: Earthworms

Darwin’s observation of earthworms in “The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Actions of Worms” and Karen Barad’s concept of “re-turning” in the context of New Materialism, both highlight the transformative power of seemingly small, repetitive actions, particularly in relation to the natural world. Their ideas are especially relevant in the age of the Anthropocene, where human activities have become the dominant influence on the environment and climate.

Darwin’s work on earthworms illuminates how these creatures, through their mundane but persistent activities, have a profound impact on the soil and landscape. He emphasises that earthworms, by ingesting and excreting soil, effectively ‘plough’ the land, improving its quality and structure. This continuous process, occurring over millennia, has shaped the Earth’s surface in ways that are both subtle and substantial. In an era defined by human impact, Darwin’s reflections remind us of the significant, yet often overlooked, role that non-human agents play in the environment.

Barad’s concept of “re-turning” parallels this idea by emphasising iterative interactions and transformations. Her perspective, grounded in New Materialism, suggests that matter is not passive but actively participates in the world’s ongoing becoming. The actions of earthworms, as described by Barad, are not merely physical movements but are integral to the creation and recreation of the environment. By turning the soil, earthworms participate in a dynamic process of making and remaking, constantly influencing the composition and structure of the Earth.

In the Anthropocene, these perspectives are crucial for several reasons:

1. Rethinking Agency and Impact: Darwin and Barad’s ideas challenge us to reconsider the agency of non-human entities in shaping our world. In an era where human actions have significant environmental consequences, acknowledging the role of other species in ecological processes is vital for a more holistic understanding of our planet.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Understanding the importance of earthworms and other organisms in maintaining soil health and ecosystem balance can inform sustainable practices. Recognising the intrinsic value of these processes encourages more respectful and responsible interactions with the natural world.
3. Inspirations for Solutions: The concept of “re-turning” and the example of earthworms’ natural soil aeration and fertilisation processes can inspire innovative approaches to environmental challenges. Biomimicry, for example, looks to nature for solutions to human problems, suggesting that learning from earthworms could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Research: Anthropocene and the Non-human

Summary and Key Points of “Earthworms: An Introduction by Gordon Chancellor”

1. Publication and Reception: “Earthworms” was Charles Darwin’s last book, published on October 10, 1881, just six months before his death. It received enthusiastic reviews and was an instant success. The Times praised Darwin for exalting ‘them of low degree’.
2. Darwin’s Enthusiasm for Nature: The book showcases Darwin’s delight in engaging with nature, written in a clear, informal style. It reveals his true passion for the natural world, perhaps more than any of his other books.
3. Cultural Impact: Darwin’s fame at the time was such that the satirical journal Punch featured a ‘fancy portrait’ of him pondering a giant worm, highlighting the public interest in his work.
4. George Romanes’s Review: Darwin’s protégé, George Romanes, reviewed the book in the science journal Nature, focusing on Darwin’s original proofs of the intelligence of worms, despite them being deaf and blind.
5. Experiments and Demonstrations: The book details Darwin’s experiments with worms, including their selection process for leaf parts and responses to sound. Down House, Darwin’s home, holds artefacts related to these experiments, such as the bassoon and the ‘worm stone’.
6. Return to Geology: “Earthworms” marked a return to Darwin’s first love, geology. He considered himself a geologist during and after the voyage of the Beagle, with his early publications focusing on geological topics.
7. Thematic Parallels: There are thematic parallels between “Earthworms” and Darwin’s first scientific monograph, “Coral Reefs.” The book ends with a comparison of the geological impact of earthworms and coral polyps.
8. Relevance Across Disciplines: The insights in “Earthworms” remain relevant today to various fields like geomorphology, geoarchaeology, ecology, and soil science.
9. Darwin’s Evolutionary Thought: The book reflects Darwin’s commitment to a Lyellian view of nature, with a belief in constant, slow, and gradual change. He focused on vertical crustal mobility and the dominant force of the sea in erosion.
10. Estimating the Earth’s Age: Darwin attempted to quantify the age of the Earth based on erosion patterns, a task later challenged by physicist William Thomson (Lord Kelvin).
11. Denudation and Erosion: Darwin revisited the concept of denudation in “Earthworms,” acknowledging the power of air, frost, and rainwater in shaping landscapes.
12. Later Life Contributions: Despite his declining health, Darwin continued to make significant contributions in various fields, including soil science, up until his final years.

Critical Analysis:
Gordon Chancellor’s introduction provides a comprehensive overview of Darwin’s “Earthworms,” highlighting its historical context, scientific significance, and Darwin’s personal connection to the subject. Chancellor underscores the book’s enduring relevance across multiple scientific disciplines, emphasising Darwin’s innovative approach to understanding the natural world. The introduction also reflects on Darwin’s broader scientific journey, from his early geological interests to his later contributions to evolutionary theory and soil science. Chancellor’s portrayal of Darwin’s enthusiasm for nature and meticulous approach to research offers a nuanced view of Darwin as both a scientist and a naturalist deeply connected to the world around him.

Creative ideas

1. Interactive Earthworm Habitat Installation: Create a large-scale, interactive installation that mimics an earthworm habitat. Viewers can walk through tunnels that represent worm burrows, experiencing the underground world from an earthworm’s perspective. The installation could include educational panels explaining the ecological role of earthworms and their impact on soil and geology.
2. Time-Lapse Photography Project: Capture the slow yet impactful work of earthworms in a series of time-lapse photographs. Display these images alongside explanations of how earthworms transform the landscape over time, offering a visual representation of Darwin’s observations.
3. Educational Animation Series: Produce a series of short animations that illustrate key concepts from “Earthworms.” These could include Darwin’s experiments, the geological role of earthworms, and the broader implications of his findings. The animations would be educational and engaging, suitable for various age groups.
4. Sound Art Installation: “The Music of Worms”: Inspired by the bassoon experiment, create a sound art installation that explores the concept of vibrations and sound in the natural world. The installation could include recordings of earthworm movements, soil sounds, and music, creating an immersive sonic experience.

Summary and Critical Analysis of “For a Critical Theory of the Anthropocene” by Anne Fremaux

Summary and Critical Analysis of “For a Critical Theory of the Anthropocene” by Anne Fremaux

Summary:
Anne Fremaux’s article, “For a Critical Theory of the Anthropocene,” delves into the conceptual foundations and implications of the term ‘Anthropocene.’ The Anthropocene is initially defined as a new geological period, signifying the immense impact of human activities on the Earth, to the extent of competing with natural processes like volcanic phenomena. Fremaux raises concerns about the term’s potential to reinforce human-centeredness and anthropocentrism, despite its intention to promote humility and awareness of human impact on the planet.

Key Points:

1. Questioning the Term ‘Anthropocene’: The article critiques the naming of an entire geological era after humans, suggesting it might amplify the very anthropocentrism it seeks to challenge.
2. Ontological Dichotomy: The Anthropocene concept perpetuates a divide between humans and nature, treating human agency as external to natural processes.
3. Apolitical and Ahistorical View: The term presents an undifferentiated view of humanity (‘Anthropos’) as responsible for ecological changes, overlooking historical and political nuances.
4. Nonknowledge and Ignorance: The era is characterized more by nonknowledge and rational ignorance due to uncertainties and unpredictability, rather than human mastery.
5. Ecomodernism Critique: The article criticizes ecomodernist perspectives that advocate for techno-optimism and neoliberal conservation, suggesting they overlook ecological dangers and the uncontrolled nature of human-induced changes.
6. Call for a Democratic Anthropocene: Fremaux advocates for a ‘democratic Anthropocene’ that emphasizes prudence, humility, and a shift towards ecological democracies, challenging the techno-optimistic ‘neoliberal Anthropocene.’

Critical Analysis:
Fremaux’s article provides a nuanced critique of the Anthropocene concept, highlighting its potential to inadvertently reinforce the anthropocentrism and human exceptionalism it aims to critique. The analysis is thought-provoking, urging a reevaluation of the term and its implications in environmental discourse.

The article effectively points out the dangers of an apolitical and ahistorical interpretation of the Anthropocene, which can obscure the complex socio-political factors contributing to environmental issues. By critiquing ecomodernist approaches, Fremaux brings attention to the need for a more holistic and ethically grounded perspective on environmental management and conservation.

However, the article could benefit from exploring more diverse viewpoints within the Anthropocene discourse. While it robustly critiques the ecomodernist narrative, it might have engaged more with alternative perspectives that also challenge the neoliberal and techno-optimistic frameworks. Additionally, the article’s focus on the philosophical and ethical dimensions, while insightful, might have been complemented by more concrete examples or case studies to illustrate the practical implications of its arguments.

Overall, “For a Critical Theory of the Anthropocene” is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the Anthropocene. It encourages deeper reflection on the terminology and narratives we use to understand our relationship with the planet and underscores the importance of humility, ethical consideration, and democratic engagement in addressing environmental challenges.

Creative Ideas

1. Interactive Digital Mosaic: Create a digital mosaic that evolves based on audience input, symbolising the collective impact of human actions on the Earth. Viewers could contribute images or text related to environmental change, which then become part of the evolving artwork.
2. Anthropocene Photography: Curate a photography exhibition showcasing images that depict the human impact on the planet, from urban sprawl to natural habitat destruction. The exhibition could include both professional and amateur photographers, highlighting diverse perspectives on the Anthropocene.
3. Virtual Reality Experience: Develop a virtual reality experience that immerses users in scenarios depicting the future of the Earth under different Anthropocene trajectories. This could include utopian visions of ecological harmony as well as dystopian outcomes of continued environmental degradation.
4. Eco-Poetry Anthology: Host a series of workshops on eco-poetry, encouraging participants to write poems inspired by the Anthropocene and environmental issues. The workshop could culminate in the publication of an anthology of selected works.
5. “Rethinking the Anthropocene” Art and Science: Create an artwork that visually interprets scientific data related to the Anthropocene. The project could result in an online gallery showcasing the intersections of art, science, and environmental awareness.

Summary and Key Points: Fungal Datascapes: A Sporous Commons of Mushrooms and Climate

Fungal Datascapes: A Sporous Commons of Mushrooms and Climate” is an immersive 360° video installation by Finn Arschavir, Jens Evaldsson, and Rut Karin Zettergren. It explores the relationship between fungi and climate change, inviting viewers to experience the world from a fungal perspective. The artwork integrates mycological research, weather data, and biofeedback from fungi to create visual and auditory experiences that shift from microscopic to global scales. It highlights the significant ecological role of fungi in decomposition and climate processes, aiming to shift the anthropocentric viewpoint and enhance understanding of complex natural systems.

This innovative artwork successfully merges art and science, offering a unique sensory experience that encourages viewers to consider ecological interconnections and the often invisible yet crucial role of fungi in our environment. By utilising 360° video, the artists create an immersive experience that transcends traditional artistic mediums, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate dynamics of nature and prompting reflection on human impacts on the environment.

Creative Ideas

1. Mycelium Network Installation: Create a large-scale installation representing the mycelium network using materials like fibre optics or recycled materials. Visitors can walk through the network, experiencing the interconnectedness of fungal systems.
2. Interactive Fungi Garden: Design an interactive garden with various species of mushrooms and fungi. Incorporate sensors and audio elements that react to visitor movements, simulating the responsive nature of fungi in their environments.
3. Climate and Fungi Data Visualisation Art: Utilise climate and fungal data to create visual art pieces, such as digital projections or physical sculptures, that represent the relationship between fungi and climate change.
4. Eco-Soundscapes Performance: Compose and perform an eco-soundscape using biofeedback from fungi and environmental sounds. This performance could be accompanied by visual projections related to mycology and climate data.
5. Fungi and Climate Change Photography Exhibit: Curate a photography exhibit showcasing the beauty and diversity of fungi alongside images depicting the effects of climate change. This exhibit could educate viewers about the crucial role of fungi in our ecosystems.

Links

Anne Fremaux (2019) ‘For a critical theory of the Anthropocene’, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research into the Anthropocene, 1 September. Available at: https://iiraorg.com/2019/09/01/for-a-critical-theory-of-the-anthropocene/ (Accessed: 25 January 2024).

Gordon Chancellor (2010) Darwin Online: Introduction to Earthworms. Available at: http://darwin-online.org.uk/EditorialIntroductions/Chancellor_Earthworms.html (Accessed: 25 January 2024).

John van Wyhe (2002) Charles Darwin: a life in pictures, Darwin Online. Available at: http://darwin-online.org.uk/life25c.html (Accessed: 25 January 2024).