Contribution to the Theory of Natural Selection. A Series of Essays.

FIRST EDITION, xvi-384p., text block clean, 44pp catalogue dated Jan 1870, publishers green cloth, blind toppled, title gilt to spine, 8vo, London, Macmillan and Co., 1870

Alfred Russel Wallace was a naturalist who independently proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Like fellow naturalist and colleague Charles Darwin, Wallace travelled the world, observing and collecting samples of species. Wallace’s thesis argues that natural selection alone is unable to account for human intellect and consciousness and therefore cannot fully explain the evolution of man. Prior to this work, Wallace’s independently proposed theory of natural selection prompted Darwin to publish his own earlier than intended.

In 1858, he sent Darwin a letter outlining his ideas about evolution. Darwin sought the advice of his friends, who determined that the ideas of both men would be presented at a meeting of the Linnean Society.The two collaborated on a scientific paper, discussing their evidence for natural selection and evolution. Darwin’s masterpiece, The Origin of Species, came out the following year.

From that time on, Darwin overshadowed Wallace and it has usually been his name alone associated with the theory of evolution by natural selection. Wallace expressed no resentment at this – in fact the scientific friendship between Wallace and Darwin has become one of the most famous relationships in the history of science. His role in the matter, and Darwin’s support, ensured his entry to the highest ranks of the scientific establishment.