Darwin

1846 · réf. NF3922 — The natural history of these islands is eminently curious and well deserves attention. Most of the organic productions are aboriginal creations found nowhere else; there is even a difference between the inhabitants of the different islands; yet all show a marked relationship of America though separated from that continent by a open space of ocean between 500 and 600 miles in width. The archipelago is a little world within itself or rather a satellite attached to America whence it has derived a few stray colonists and has received the general character of its indigenous productions. Considering the small size of these islands we feel The more astonished at the number of their aboriginal beings and at their confined range. Seeing every height crowned with its crater and the boundaries of most of the lava-streams still distinct we are led to believe that within a period geologically recent the unbroken ocean was here spread out. Hence both in space and time we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact Ð that mystery of mysteries Ð the first appearance of new beings on this earth"------Charles Darwin Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries visited during the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle round the World under the Command of Capt. FitzRoy R.N. Harper & Brothers 1846 first American edition 2 volumes some wear to the fore edge corner tips and spine extremities of both volumes exhibiting some cloth loss some ROHRSCHACH type stains to the original yellow end-papers and paste-downs the first five textual leaves in volume one exhibit an old moisture tidal mark at the base and lower area of the gutters foxing throughout the text block of both volumes volume two shows wear and missing cloth along the outer front hinge else good copies of this most important and pioneering volume. Indeed Darwin's first book. Harper & Brothers hardcover books