The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom, Charles Darwin
First edition, first issue, with 3-line errata slip facing p. viii. Darwin’s detailed experimental follow-up to On the Origin of Species, this work demonstrates the superior vigor of cross-fertilized plants over self-fertilized ones—advancing his arguments on variation and natural selection. "It was too technical and too detailed to command a wide sale," although 1500 copies were sold before the end of 1876. The book has remained the starting point for the study of inbreeding and is cited in scientific papers to this effect to this day. (Freeman 1249)
London: John Murray, 1876. Publisher's original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt; pp. viii, 482 with 1 diagram and 109 tables. A very good copy. Binding remains tight, sturdy and square. Light shelfwear and rubbing to boards and spine. Hinges expertly reinforced with archival tape, some penciled notes to front pastedown, owner's stamps to first blank and title page, "Dec. 1876" date penned to verso of front endpaper, endpapers toned, scattered minor foxing and toning, else internally clean. A nice copy.
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