Books

vi+365,+[1] pages with one folding plate and 33 woodcuts in text without the advertisements. Small octavo (7 1/2" 4 3/4") bound in full 19th-century calf, spine gilt stamped spine in five compartments divided by double gilt fillets with Rugby School coat of arms to cover. Marbled end pages. (Clark: 180-181); Freeman 800; Norman 595) First edition. Fertilisation of Orchids is a book by English naturalist Charles Darwin published on 15 May 1862 under the full explanatory title On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids Are Fertilized by Insects, and On the Good Effects of Intercrossing. Darwin's previous book, On the Origin of Species, had briefly mentioned evolutionary interactions between insects and the plants they fertilized, and this new idea was explored in detail. Field studies and practical scientific investigations that were initially a recreation for Darwin—a relief from the drudgery of writing—developed into enjoyable and challenging experiments.…

This groundbreaking work by Charles Darwin explores the mechanisms by which orchids are fertilized by insects and the benefits of cross-pollination.

First edition prints were published by John Murray in 1862. Look for the original John Murray logo and publication date on the title page.