Wells, William Charles

i) Two Essays: one upon single vision with two eyes; the other on dew... and an account of a female of the white race of mankind, part of whose skin resembles that of a negro. Printed for Archibald Constable and Co., 1818, 8vo, FIRST EDITION, half-title, original boards, uncut, binding soiled, rebacked and recornered; ii) Another copy. 1818, FIRST EDITION, half-title, modern green morocco-backed boards, uncut

Norman 2200; Grolier Club, Darwin (2004), p.17

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."

"This collection includes the first printing of Wells's 'Account of a female of the white race...,' which contains the first recognizable statement of the principle of natural selection... Darwin was not familiar with Wells's paper when he published the first edition of the Origin, but it was later called to his attention, and Darwin paid tribute to Wells's pioneering statement in the historical introduction to the third edition of the Origin" (Norman).