RECORD: [Darwin, C. R. and Smith Elder and Co.] [1838.] [First prospectus of the Zoology of the Beagle] Preparing for Publication, in Royal Quarto. [London:] Smith Elder and Co. (John van Wyhe ed., 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Photographed by Angus Carroll. Text prepared and Edited by John van Wyhe 11.2025. RN1
NOTE: With thanks to Angus Carroll for sharing a copy of this exceedling rare printed Darwin item from his collection.
In his bibliographical handlist description of The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, R. B. Freeman described "A prospectus, a single sheet 214 X 134 mm printed on both sides, was issued between August 16 and November 4. It gives the names of the five experts who were to cover the vertebrate groups, but states that 'a description of some of the invertebrate animals procured during the voyage will also be given. At the conclusion of the work Mr. Darwin will incorporate the materials which have been collected, in a general sketch of the Zoology of the southern parts of South America'. Neither of these intentions was realized." Freeman 1977, p. 26.
Later printings of the prospectus appeared. One is bound in the copy of Mammalia Part 2 No. 1 in Darwin Online and another appears on the back wrapper of Mammalia Part 2 No. 2. The only important differences between the first and the later versions is the change in the projected page length of the complete set of "about six hundred and fifty pages" which was altered to 600 pages. The first prospectus also has a unique final line: "Although it is not intended that each subject should appear in consecutive numbers, especial regard will be had to the paging of the work, in order that no confusion or difficulty may arise, in binding it, when complete."
John van Wyhe
[recto]
Preparing for Publication, in Royal Quarto.
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THE
ZOOLOGY
OF
THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. BEAGLE,
UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPTAIN FITZROY, R. N.
DURING THE YEARS 1832 TO 1836.
————
PUBLISHED WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF HER MAJESTY'S TREASURY.
————
Edited and Superintended by
CHARLES DARWIN, ESQ., M.A., F.G.S.
NATURALIST TO THE EXPEDITION.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN order to secure to science the full advantage of the discoveries in Natural History, during the Voyage of the Beagle, the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury have been pleased to make a liberal grant of money towards defrayiug part of the expenses of this publication. This work, in consequence, has been undertaken on a scale worthy of the high patronage it has thus received, and will be offered to the public at a much lower price than otherwise would have been possible.
Figures will be given of many species of animals hitherto unknown or but imperfectly described, together with an account of their habits, ranges, and places of habitation.
The collections were chiefly made in the provinces bordering on the Rio Plata, in Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego, Chile, and the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific.
The following gentlemen, with a disinterested zeal for science, have undertaken different departments of the work; in those branches with which they are respectively best acquainted. Mr. OWEN will describe the Fossil Mammalia; Mr. WATERHOUSE the Recent Mammalia; Mr. GOULD the Birds; Mr. BELL the Reptiles; and the Rev. L. JENYNS the Fish.
[verso]
THE ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. BEAGLE.
A description of some of the invertebrate animals procured during the voyage will also be given. At the conclusion of the work Mr. DARWIN will incorporate the materials which have been collected, in a general sketch of the Zoology of the southern part of South America.
CONDITIONS OF PUBLICATION.
It is impossible, in the present stage of the undertaking, to define precisely its limits, or the exact order in which the several subjects will be published; but it is estimated that the work will extend to Twenty Numbers, one of which will be published on the first day of every alternate month; and the whole, when completed, will comprise about six hundred and fifty pages of letter-press, and from two hundred to two hundred and fifty Engravings, in Royal 4to.
The price of each Number may vary according to the quantity of Plates and letter-press it may contain, depending upon the subject of which it particularly treats; but it is estimated that the average price will not exceed Ten Shillings.
Although it is not intended that each subject should appear in consecutive numbers, especial regard will be had to the paging of the work, in order that no confusion or difficulty may arise, in binding it, when complete.
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 23 November, 2025