Feb 09, 2023 A Peek at Darwin’s Pivotal “On the Origin of Species”

Posted at 19:58h in Special Collections by
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Did you know that Special Collections holds a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, by Means of Natural Selection, published in 1859 and signed by Darwin himself?

This treasure, one of thousands held in the Rare Books vault, also contains a handwritten note signed by Darwin, a reply to a note written by a friend or colleague. The note from the colleague is also included.

Would you like to examine this first edition in real life? Darwin’s On the Origin of Species is available to view by contacting Special Collections to arrange a time.

Digital Resources:

Digital Exhibition: The Evolution of Darwin

Utah Digital Collection On the Origin of Species

Close-up of a hand holding the spine of a green book titled "On the Origin of Species" by Darwin, with gold letters and a decorative design.
Open book showing a diagram of intersecting lines on the left page, with letters A to L along the bottom. Right page contains text titled "Divergence of Character". Pages rest on a wooden surface.
This page contains an explanation of the graph: "Let A to L represent the species of a genus large in its own country; these species are supposed to resemble each other in equal degrees, as is so generally the case in nature, and as is represented in the diagram by the letters standing at Unequal distances..."
A handwritten page on aged paper with notes about animals in aquatic environments, primordial origins, and ancient animal occupants. A white string is at the bottom.
Some notes made on one of the last book pages by unknown individual.
Handwritten letter with elegant, cursive script on aged paper, encased in a protective sleeve. The letter conveys a sense of historical significance.
A note dated 1863 sent to Charles Darwin. Sender unknown.
A handwritten letter on white paper, dated "Oct. 4th" with formal, cursive script. The letter exhibits neat handwriting and is signed at the bottom.
"Oct. 4th Down, Beckemham, Kent. Dear Sir I am very much obliged for your kindess & for your suggestion, which I believe to be a very good one; & I will endevor on each future occasion to carry it into effect. – Yours faithfully & obliged Ch Darwin"
Green hardcover book with ornate embossed floral patterns and geometric shapes. The textured cover suggests a classic, vintage feel.
Embossed front cover of “Origin of Species”
Title page of "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin, 1859. Includes handwritten note and signature of C. Darwin, with a formal tone.
Title page from first edition, “The Origin of Species: By Means of Natural Selection,” (1859) signed by Charles Darwin.
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