On the Classification and Geographical Distribution of the Mammalia,

Losing the evolution debate. First edition of anatomist Richard Owen's reclassification of the mammals, with significance in the evolutionary debates of the period.

Richard Owen (1804-1892) was 'the most important and most influential natural scientist of his generation' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography). And though his reputation has been overshadowed by his disputes with Charles Darwin, 'It was indeed by standing on his shoulders that his successors were able to see further. As significant as any of his more particular contributions... was his ability to bring order out of the accumulating chaos of the collectors' cabinets and the conflicting methodologies used to account for them. His annual series of Hunterian lectures at the College of Surgeons, his review of the whole of comparative anatomy, his compilations of his works in palaeontology and, in particular, the initial ordering of the fossil reptiles and mammals of Britain, the virtual creation of a comparative vertebrate osteology and odontology, and his design for the Natural History Museum—all laid the groundwork for others who, as intended in the assumption of a progressing science, would alter their shape and challenge their substance' (ODNB).

'In 1858 both Owen's scientific merits and the political role he had come to play in the scientific institution were recognized by his election to the presidency of the British Association. The following year he was invited to give the first of the renewed Reade lectures at Cambridge. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he laid out his new classification of the mammals, the first since that of Cuvier, in which he used neural distinctions in conjunction with the traditional classificatory criteria to provide a more natural classification of the class. Through such a classification he sought to demonstrate that the presumed distinction of human mind possessed a physical correlate in the brain that justified a distinct subclass of which the human species would be the only occupant. In general his new classification was respectfully received even by his opponents, although the elevation of human singularity provided the springboard for the violent attacks against his anatomy a year later' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).

First edition; 8vo; engravings within the text, 4-page publisher's ads at rear, pencilled ownership signature to the front free endpaper, contents just a little toned; original brown cloth, titles to spine and upper board gilt, brown coated endpapers, cloth a little darkened and rubbed at the edges, a few small bumps and spots, hinges slightly cracked, very good condition; 103pp.

Freeman, British Natural History Books 2889.