Answer:
(B) describe a particular position and its subsequent modification
Explanation:
Because during the text many hypotheses are presented, but rather than dismiss the theory, the author details it with the results, until it reaches a valid conclusion. So the first part would present the ideas with the limited knowledge possessed beforehand, following that, ideas are met with reality and are reevaluated.
This was at the begining of the age of the industrialisation, factory work was very harsh, workers had to live in a very small and crowded space, many weren't insured and didn't get enough money for working 12 or more hours a day.