March 2017 Auction Ends Thursday, March 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/30/2017
Charles Darwin signed autograph manuscript from a draft of ''On the Origin of Species'', one of the most important books in the scientific canon. Darwin here writes a page from the Conclusion chapter, carefully and powerfully laying out his arguments for the theory of natural selection and evolution. Page reads in full, ''I have now recapitulated the chief facts and considerations, which have thoroughly convinced me that species have been modified, during a long course of descent, by the preservation on the natural selection of many successive slight favourable variations. I cannot believe that a false theory would explain, as it seems to me that the theory of natural selection does explain, the several large classes of facts above specified. It is no valid objection that science as yet throws no light on the far higher problem of the essence or origin of life. Who can explain what is the essence of attraction of gravity? No one now objects to following out the results consequent on this unknown element of attraction; notwithstanding that [Gottfried] Leibnitz formerly accused [Isaac] Newton of introducing 'occult qualities & miracles into philosophy.' - Charles Darwin''. Manuscript is numbered ''245.'' by Darwin at upper right, possibly from a November 1859 first edition draft that was condensed from the original manuscript. Several years later, it was given to Hermann Kindt, editor of the ''Autographic Mirror'', who thanked Darwin for the manuscript in a letter dated 23 October 1865. Darwin signed the page as requested by Kindt, who added a note indicating that the text ended up as page 514 of the latest, 3rd edition. Single page has folds, light creasing and small spot of discoloration to right side. Overall in very good to near fine condition with legible writing and a bold signature by Darwin.
Charles Darwin Signed, Handwritten & Powerful Conclusion Page From ''Origin of Species'' -- ''...science as yet throws no light on the far higher problem of the essence or origin of life...''
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