RECORD: Anon. 1869. [Review of Variation]. Darwin's great work. Appletons' Journal, vol. 1, issue 1 (3 April): 30.

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe. 6.2021. RN1

NOTE: See the record for this item in the Freeman Bibliographical Database by entering its Identifier here. Darwin, C. R. [1868]. The variation of animals and plants under domestication. With a preface by Asa Gray. New York: Orange Judd and Co. Volume 1.


[page] 30

Darwin's great work.

The Variation of animals and plants under domestication. By Charles Darwin, M.A., F.R.S., etc. with a preface to the American edition, by the author, and also one by Professor ASA GRAY, of Harvard University.

It is one of the most remarkable books of the present day, presenting an array of facts that shows the most extraordinary amount of observation and research. All the domestic animals, from horses and cattle to canary-birds and honey-bees, are discussed, as well as our leading culinary and other plants, making it a work of the greatest interest and value to farmers, horticulturalists, and scientific men.

Notices by the press.

Mr. Darwin is not an ordinary writer, and has not been content to expand his earlier and more general statements. His recital of curious facts is enlivened and illustrated throughout by thought; his principles and arguments everywhere rest solidly upon observed fact.

The reader is frequently led up, in thought, within sight and bearing, as it were, of the very workshop of Nature. Glimpses are given of wonderful prospects, passing suggestions of thoughts almost too bold for expression, or profound analogies are embodied in illustrations which might be expanded into theories.

Every chapter is full of facts. They are the substance of the whole work. No room is lost by the theories. They serve as a system for arranging the facts, of which the book seems to contain more that could possibly be compressed into the same space, if it contained nothing else. – New York Evening Post.

The book presents the most remarkable collection of facts, methodically arranged, concerning our domestic animals and plants, yet brought together, and for this alone it is of the highest value. (St. Louis) Journal of Agriculture.

It is a work which will command universal attention, and will be of particular value to agriculture, whether engaged in stock-raising only; or in the cultivation of the soil in general. –Forney's (Phila.) Weekly Press.

The work is alike adapted to the wants of the practical agriculturalist and the student of natural history. The immense collection of facts which it presents, in singular interest and value, irrespective of the peculiar theory of which he is the most able and earnest advocate, and, in its present form, the original expounder.

Mr. Darwin's modesty is no more remarkable than his candor. He is an example of the humility which belongs to genuine science, and is the condition of high intellectual attainments. The execution of his work is in harmony with the characteristics of his mind. Written in a style of eminent simplicity, artlessness, and sincerity, free from abstruse reasonings or pedantic refinements, it must prove singularly attractive to the lovers of Nature, no less than to the scientific student. –New York Tribune.


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Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

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