First Edition, presentation copy, inscribed “From the Author” on the first front free endpaper in a secretarial hand (as usual at this date) and with the ownership inscription of John Curtis on the front pastedown. The recipient John Curtis (1791-1862), entomologist and accomplished natural history artist, is often described as the first entomologist to earn his living as a scientist. He made a tour of France with Lyell in 1830, including an investigation of the quarries of Aix-en-Provence in the company of Murchison. A paper describing their trip, with descriptions of the fossil insects by Curtis, was read before the Geological Society. Curtis is cited as an authority in later editions of the Principles. Lyell remained his life-long friend. In later years Curtis was dogged by ill health. In 1862 Lyell wrote to Darwin, telling him, "I went to see poor Curtis the entomologist who being nearly blind by amaurosis was run over 10 days ago by three Cabs & broke a shoulder bone but is doing surprisingly well." Curtis was to die of cancer later that year. Lyell’s Principles has long been recognised as the the foundation work on geology as understood in modern times, especially as modulated through the writings of Charles Darwin: “I always feel as if my books came half out of Lyell's brain” (Darwin, letter to Horner). “Lyell is a very special case, for although he was extremely sceptical about the mutability of species and was known for his strong opposition to the theories of Lamarck, and although he was still suspicious of the evidence for organic progression as late as 1851, his influence on Darwin was incalculable” (PMM 344). The book was first published in two volumes, with a third volume added in 1833. Sets of all three volumes in original boards are scarce in commerce.
3 volumes, 8vo. Uncut in original brown paper boards, printed spine labels. With 3 coloured frontispieces, 4 maps (two folding, one coloured), 4 plates and several illustrations in the text. Extremities a little worn, front board of vol. I detached, spine defective at head and tail, vol. II’s spine with vertical crack held by cords, vol. III with chips to joints, the contents clean and fresh, housed in a brown cloth folding case.
