Books

2 Volumes. 8vo. pp. xxvi, 365; vii, 338. with half-titles. folding diagram. contemporary half morocco, t.e.g. (spines & corners worn). "Prepared under the advice of Lyell and Hooker, this was Darwin s greatest work and one of the most important books ever published�The evidence for the existence of evolution and that it resulted from the survival of the fittest by natural selection is marshaled and set out as never before. Garrison considered this "the most wonderful piece of synthesis in the history of science". Darwin s influence on biology was fundamental, its full implications being by no means yet exhausted." (Garrison & Morton) Freeman 458a. cfGarrison & Morton 220. cfGrolier/Horblit 23b. cfPrinting and the Mind of Man 344b.

"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.