Richard A. Fortey is a research scientist@the Natural History Museum, London, and visiting professor of paleobiology@the University of Oxford. His current research includes molecular investigations into the nature of the Cambrian evolutionary “explosion,” studies on the evolution of arthropod vision and the reconstruction of ancient continents. In 2003, he received the Lewis Thomas Prize from Rockefeller University, which honors scientists for their literary achievements. He is the author of Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth, which was named as one of the 11 “books of the year” in 1998 by the New York Times. Address: Department of Paleontology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom. Internet: raf@nhm.ac.uk