In 1859, On the Origin of Species introduced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to the world. Although theories of evolution were already widespread, Darwin’s mechanism of natural selection offered a novel explanation of how evolution occurred. The book provoked an immediate and widespread reaction. Many Christians, notably the botanist Asa Gray, believed Darwin’s theories were compatible with the Christian faith, while others argued evolution contradicted the biblical account of creation. This is the second edition, printed in January 1860, only two months after the first. It contained several adjustments, including the famous addition of the phrase “by the Creator” to the book’s concluding lines. The new line read, “There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one . . .”