The Origin of Species is one of the most important and influential works in the history of science. First published on 24 November 1859, it aroused a great deal of controversy particularly in scientific and religious circles. The Library's copy, purchased in 1935, is one of 1250 produced in the first print run.
The full title of this work is On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life. It is divided into 14 chapters, with a brief introduction, recapitulation and conclusion. In successive editions, up to the 1872 final sixth edition, Darwin revised his work to deal with the numerous criticisms of his theory.
Darwin’s concept of evolution proposed that species change through natural selection, and that variations amongst species favoured their survival. Darwin's theory revolutionised our understanding of the natural world, firmly establishing the idea that constant change is the order of the universe. The basic ideas contained in this work subsequently became incorporated into the study of modern biology. | 
