- 395
Wallace, Alfred Russel
Estimate
300 - 500 GBP
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Description
- Is Mars Habitable? Macmillan and Co., 1907
- Wallace, Alfred Russel
- Printed Book
8vo, FIRST EDITION, half-title, 2 plates, advertisement leaf at end, original green cloth gilt
Condition
A good copy
"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
A PIONEERING WORK OF EXOBIOLOGY. Wallace's Man's Place in the Universe (1900) had argued that advanced life was unique to the planet earth. Is Mars Habitable? developed these arguments further in response to Percival Lowell's influential theory that the "canals" he had observed on the Martian surface were evidence that the planet was home to an intelligent civilization. Wallace concluded that the low average temperature, thin atmosphere, and absence of water, meant that the red planet was absolutely uninhabitable.