Scripture and Science
Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation
Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation
By: Robert Chambers
- Collection ID
- PBK.007441
- Type
- Printed Book
- Date
- 1845
- Geography
- United States
- Language
- English
- Medium
- Printed on Paper
- Dimensions
- 8.3 × 5.1 × 1.2 in. (21 × 13 × 3 cm)
- Exhibit Location
- Not on View
This is the first American edition (and third overall) of Robert Chambers’s Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, one of the earliest texts to outline an evolutionary history of life and the world. Chambers believed that evolution was perfectly compatible with traditional religion, viewing the natural laws that guided the development of life as a testimony to the wisdom of the Divine Author. When Vestiges appeared in 1844, it quickly became a best seller, but many Christians decried its religious implications. Meanwhile, many scientists, including Charles Darwin, viewed the author’s scientific claims as undeveloped and amateurish. Chambers’s identity remained a secret for over 40 years.
This is the first American edition (and third overall) of Robert Chambers’s Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, one of the earliest texts to outline an evolutionary history of life and the world. Chambers believed that evolution was perfectly compatible with traditional religion, viewing the natural laws that guided the development of life as a testimony to the wisdom of the Divine Author. When Vestiges appeared in 1844, it quickly became a best seller, but many Christians decried its religious implications. Meanwhile, many scientists, including Charles Darwin, viewed the author’s scientific claims as undeveloped and amateurish. Chambers’s identity remained a secret for over 40 years.
Printed in 1845 by Wiley and Putnam, New York, New York. Acquired by 1963 by John E. Woodman.[1] Acquired by 2020 by Ted Steinbock, private collector, Louisville, Kentucky; Privately purchased in 2020 by Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.
Notes: [1] A handwritten note on the front flyleaf reads, “John E Woodman 6 February 1963.” Another note on the title page reads, “Mrs Hamilton from Husband.” It is not clear whether Mrs. Hamilton possessed the book before or after John Woodman.
Printed in 1845 by Wiley and Putnam, New York, New York. Acquired by 1963 by John E. Woodman.[1] Acquired by 2020 by Ted Steinbock, private collector, Louisville, Kentucky; Privately purchased in 2020 by Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.
Notes: [1] A handwritten note on the front flyleaf reads, “John E Woodman 6 February 1963.” Another note on the title page reads, “Mrs Hamilton from Husband.” It is not clear whether Mrs. Hamilton possessed the book before or after John Woodman.
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