Chambers, Robert

i) Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation. John Churchill, 1844, FIRST EDITION, contemporary calf, spine gilt, bookplate of Frances Mary Richardson Currer, [Norman 438; DSB III, p.192]; ii) Explanations: A Sequel to "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation"... second edition. John Churchill, 1846, original cloth; iii) Ancient Sea-Margins, as memorials of changes in the relative level of sea and land. Edinburgh: W. & R. Chambers, 1848, FIRST EDITION, lithographed frontispiece (spotted), folding coloured map, illustrations, original cloth, corners bumped, rebacked--iv) Bosanquet, S.R. "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation:" its argument examined and exposed. John Hatchard, 1845, bound after a second edition of Vestiges, contemporary calf, rubbed, joints split
and another, fourth edition of Vestiges, 8vo (5)

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

"The first full-length exposition in English of an evolutionary theory came in Chambers's anonymously published Vestiges, which brought together a large variety of data from both geology and the life sciences to support the idea of the origin of species through a process of transmutation... It played a significant role in the history of mid-nineteenth century biology by making evolutionism a commonplace topic of discussion, easing the way for Darwin's Origin of Species" (Norman).

Richard Chambers and his brother William formed the well-known publishing company bearing their names in Edinburgh in 1832. Vestiges was frequently reprinted and underwent substantial revisions over time. Ancient Sea-Margins was his only work devoted wholly to geology.