One Of The Finest Signatures Of The Founder Of Evolutionary Theory We’ve Encountered—Signed in Full "Charles Darwin”
Extremely scarce LS beautifully and boldly signed in full, "Charles Darwin," one page, 5” x 8,” Down, Beckenham, Kent letterhead, July 17, 1875. The letter, the body of which is penned in another hand, is to Swiss zoologist and comparative anatomist Ludwig Rutimeyer who sent Darwin his book, Die Veranderung der Tierwelt in der Schweiz seit Anwesenheit des Menschen (Changes in the Animal World in Switzerland since the Presence of Human Beings). In full: "I am very much obliged to you for sending me your 'Veranderungen etc.' which is sure to interest me greatly, like everything else that you have written. With much respect I remain my dear Sir Yours sincerely." In fine, crisp and clean condition. Letter is accompanied by an unrelated ANS signed "L. Rutimeyer," dated March 25, 1896, sending his best wishes and autograph. Darwin’s books explain his theory of evolution—On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection and Descent of Man easily rank among the most influential texts in the history of scientific thought.
A contemporary of Charles Darwin, theology student-turned paleozoologist Ludwig Rutimeyer held mixed opinions on the controversial Origin of Species. On the one hand, he was one of the first to accept evolution, making his own significant contributions to the subject with his 1863 comparative study on the teeth of ungulates, in which he interpreted fossil mammals as parts of the evolutionary lineages by showing the gradual change in dentitions. On the other hand, he strongly disagreed with Darwin's explanation of natural selection, instead believing in the existence of an innate principle of progressive perfection, a striving for improvement, especially in regard to human evolution. Despite their differences, the two men shared a strong respect for one another, sharing their publications and corresponding for decades. A wonderful letter from one scientific intellectual to another, boasting one of the most impressive full Darwin signatures on the market.
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