Darwin

1885 · Best.-Nr. 62338 — Madrid Administracion de la Revista de medicina y cirugia practicas 1885. 8vo. In contemporary red half calf with gilt lettering to spine. Light wear to extremities cloth-boards with repairs. Inner hinges split. Bookbinder-stamp to front free end-paper. Internally very fine and clean. VIII 725 pp. A landmark in the history of Darwinism in the Spanish-speaking world this 1885 Madrid edition is the first full Spanish translation of “The Descent of Man” and without question the most important Spanish edition of Darwin’s major work on human evolution. “Segunda edición revisada y aumentada” stated on the title-page strictly refers to the fact that this phrase is translated directly from the title-page of the second edition of Darwin’s “The Descent of Man Second Edition Revised and Augmented”. A earlier partial translation Barcelona 1876 was made however only the seven chapters of Part I was translated none of Darwin's footnotes are translated or mentioned and none of the illustrations are reproduced here. The translator states in his "Preface" that he is indeed summarizing much and that his intention is to give a most complete extract of Darwin's main works in one single volume. And since it's necessary to be familiar with "The Origin of Species" he believes that a good way of explaining the basics is to translate a few pages from Ernst Haeckel which occupies pp. ix to xi of said preface. He doesn't specify the source but it seems to be a translation of Haeckel's The History of Creation chapter VII paragraphs 153-161. This present edition edition is unabridged translating the full content of both volumes including Darwin’s detailed exposition on sexual selection racial theory and moral evolution accurately annotated preserving Darwin’s own footnotes and incorporating his illustrations unlike any prior Spanish attempt and being scientifically rigorous following the English second edition directly without filtering through French intermediaries or secondary paraphrases and without reference to earlier Spanish partial versions. This 1885 edition of "La descendencia del hombre" represents a key moment in the Spanish reception of Darwin’s ideas. As the first complete and direct translation of "The Descent of Man" it provided Spanish readers with full access to Darwin’s arguments on human evolution including material previously unavailable in earlier partial versions. Its continued use well into the 20th and even 21st century underscores its bibliographic importance and lasting influence - a major Spanish publisher reused this 1885 translation as late as 2019. In Darwinian thought in the Spanish-speaking world it remains a significant and foundational edition. Freeman 1122c Blanco & Llorca 124 hardcover