I don't doubt that 19th century biologists held prejudices that were otherwise common during the 19th century. I certainly don't feel the need to affirm, excuse, or share these beliefs.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I remember the surprise as I read "Origin of Species" when I came to the part where Darwin says that a white man would obviously quickly become the leader of a black tribe, but his superior evolutionary traits would be lost as he reproduced with the black tribe.
I remember reading about uproars over his theory of descent with modification guided by natural selection, but I don't remember reading about any controversy over his racism, even from Christians. I'm sure most agreed with him.
The 19th century is the 19th century. Moses' various acts of genocide belong to an ancient era as well. Those who live in glass houses should beware of throwing stones.
™ Version 4.2