Who was Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and how did he contribute to evolution studies

Question: Who was Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and how did he contribute to evolution studies !?
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Lamarck's contribution to evolutionary theory consisted of the first truly cohesive theory of evolution, in which an alchemical complexifying force drove organisms up a ladder of complexity, and a second environmental force adapted them to local environments through "use and disuse" of characteristics, differentiating them from other organisms!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

http://www!.ucmp!.berkeley!.edu/history/lam!.!.!.

He had theories of evolution before Darwin!. He gave his works to Darwin who included his theory also in his book, Origin of the Species!.Www@QuestionHome@Com