English naturalist and author (1809–1882) whose books explaining his theory of evolution—On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859) and Descent of Man (1871)—rank among the most influential texts in the history of scientific thought. ALS signed “Ch. Darwin,” one page, 5 x 8, January 21 [1871]. Darwin writes to St. George Mivart, an English biologist whose work Darwin took seriously, even though Mivart started as an ardent believer in natural selection but later became one of its fiercest critics. In full: “I am very much obliged for your kind present. It will take me some time to read it, as I can read but little of anything which requires much thought. If I had known that your book was published I would not of course have directed Vol. I of my book [Descent of Man] to be sent to you; nor do I suppose you will care much about it. It will possibly excite your indignation. I always can console myself with thinking that I have done my best.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Darwin’s hand. In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds, and a pencil year notation to top.
The book Darwin received from Mivart was Mivart’s On the Genesis of Species, published in 1871. While some saw it as an effective criticism of the theory of Natural Selection and one likely to exert the greatest influence, the volume angered many contemporaries, including Darwin, who described it as “grossly unfair.” Ten days after the offered correspondence, in a letter to Alfred Russell Wallace (the naturalist whose own thinking prompted Darwin’s theories), Darwin would mention reading Mivart’s book and comment that “I feel absolutely certain that he meant to be fair (but he was stimulated by theological fervour).” After Mivart’s hostile review of the Descent of Man in the Quarterly Review, the relationship between the two men teetered near a breaking point as Mivart accepted the premise of general evolution while denying that it was applicable to the human intellect. Great association between the two sparring proponents of natural selection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
