Books

John Murray,, 1860. 8vo., Fifth Thousand, [Second Edition, Second Issue], with folding diagram, neat contemporary signature in pencil at head of title, with second pencilled signature lower down, front free endpaper a little chafed at fore-edge, three or four small fox-spots each on half-title, title and diagram; original green cloth, boards elaborately blocked in blind, gilt back, , brown endpapers, uncut, expertly recased with original endpapers preserved, a remarkably bright, fresh copy in minimally restored publisher's binding. With 32pp publisher's catalogue (dated January, 1860) bound in at end, and the binder's ticket of Edmonds & Remnants on rear paste-down. The second edition, second issue is not so named on title but simply labelled 'Fifth Thousand'; Freeman records that 3000 copies were printed following the 1250 copies of the first edition. Although Darwin considered this edition a rapid revision to meet demand, his changes are much more than mere…

"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.