BELL, Thomas

A History of British Reptiles ... Second Edition

London: John Van Voorst, 1849. 8vo. (8 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches). Half-title, xxiv, 159 pp., (2), with 50 wood engravings.

Publisher's blue cloth, gilt title on spine, worn. Bookseller's label mounted to front pastedown: 'Fletcher, Bookseller, Stationer & Printer, Norwich.'

An interesting work on reptiles by a leading scientific figure who played a key role in the reception of Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory.

Bell published a large number of books and scientific papers, including a description of the specimens collected by Charles Darwin during his voyage on The Beagle. He was at the heart of the scientific establishment when Darwin returned to London from the Beagle expedition on 2 December 1836, Bell was quick to take on the task of describing Darwin's reptile specimens, and he confirmed that the giant Galápagos tortoises were native to those islands, not brought in by buccaneers for food as Darwin had thought. He supported publication of Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, contribution essays on reptiles published in two numbers, in 1842 and 1843. The present work demonstrates Bell's continued interest in the natural history of reptiles.

Nissen ZBI, 293.

Item #36848

Price: $80.00