Books

New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1878. New Edition, from the Sixth English Edition, with Additions and Corrections. xxi, [1], [1]-458pp. 1 vols. Small 8vo. Publisher's russet cloth, blocked in black. Near fine. New Edition, from the Sixth English Edition, with Additions and Corrections. xxi, [1], [1]-458pp. 1 vols. Small 8vo. “Certainly the most important biological book every written … The sixth edition, which is usually regarded as the last, appeared in [London in] February 1872 ... It is again extensively revised and contains a new chapter, VII. ... It is in the edition that the word ‘evolution’ occurs for the first time. It had been used in THE DESCENT OF MAN in the previous year, but not before in this work" (Freeman, p. 79). The present 1878 edition is the fifth issue of the American edition based on the sixth edition. A lovely copy of an early American edition. Freeman 403

"On the Origin of Species" is a pivotal scientific work by Charles Darwin, published in 1859. In this seminal book, Darwin proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, reshaping humanity's understanding of the natural world. He presented a comprehensive argument supported by extensive observations and evidence from various fields, discussing the gradual modification of species over time. Darwin's central idea was that all species of organisms evolved from common ancestors and that the mechanism driving this evolution was natural selection. He argued that within populations, organisms exhibit variations, and those better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and passing on their advantageous traits to future generations. Over successive generations, these advantageous traits accumulate, leading to the divergence of species and the formation of new ones. Darwin drew upon diverse scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, embryology, and anatomy, to support his theory. He detailed examples from nature, such as the diversity of finches in the Galápagos Islands and artificial selection in domesticated animals, to illustrate his points. The book triggered widespread debate, challenging prevailing religious and scientific beliefs about the origin and diversity of life. While controversial at the time, "On the Origin of Species" laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology. Its profound impact continues to shape scientific inquiry, influencing fields ranging from genetics to ecology and sparking ongoing discussions about life's interconnectedness and the processes that drive biological diversity.