- 19
Darwin, Charles.
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- The Various Contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects, and on the good effects of intercrossing. John Murray, 1862
8vo, first edition, the author's son sir george howard darwin's copy, one folding plate and 33 text woodcuts, original vertically-lined plum cloth decorated and lettered in gilt and blind (variant a.), advertisements at the end dated December 1861, pale reddish-brown endpapers, cloth torn on the spine, further edge-wear, some slight foxing
The author called this work a "flank movement" (Correspondence, 10.331) on the enemy, meaning that it tackled the question of design in nature.
The author called this work a "flank movement" (Correspondence, 10.331) on the enemy, meaning that it tackled the question of design in nature.
Provenance
The author's fifth child Sir George Howard Darwin (1845–1912), mathematician and geophysicist (see lot 17), bookplate; thence by family descent
Literature
Freeman 800
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The author called this work a "flank movement" (Correspondence, 10.331) on the enemy, meaning that it tackled the question of design in nature. "He maintained that the ornate ridges and horns of orchid flowers, and the complex internal arrangements, were not beauty for its own sake, or created for the delight of humans, but adaptations to facilitate reproduction. They existed to ensure cross-pollination by insects. If they were regarded as functional flowers, rather than beautiful ones, natural selection could explain their origin..." (Oxford DNB)