Unique Edition of 'On the Origin of Species' at Charles Darwin Foundation

Yesterday, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was privileged to welcome the arrival of the fifth edition of Darwin's On the Origin of Species, a unique specimen edited in February 1869 that is on official tour as part of the worldwide Charles Darwin Bicentennial celebrations.

This fifth edition of the English scientist's most outstanding work was presented in a formal ceremony at the CDF facility in Galapagos, a very meaningful event in the rounds the book is making. At the close of this year's bicentennial commemorations, the tome will be auctioned off during Galapagos Day, an annual celebration held in England by the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT). The money received from this sale will be used to support projects for the protection of the Galapagos Islands.

Both GCT and Steppes Travel - the organization that owns the book - are to thank for the presence of this valuable work in Galapagos during CDF's golden jubilee year. The book was previously at Christ's College in Cambridge, the British Museum of Natural History, and Down House (Darwin's home, now a museum), among other world-renowned locations associated in one way or another with Charles Darwin.

Randal Keynes, Darwin's great-great-grandson and member of the CDF Board of Directors, and CDF Executive Director Dr. Gabriel López spoke at the ceremonial event, which was held at the CDF Herbarium and attended by British, Canadian, and U.S. visitors traveling with Steppes Travel. Dr. López underscored "the great honor of the visit and the relevance of Charles Darwin's legacy at the Foundation. One hundred and fifty years after its publication, Charles Darwin and his book continue to inspire and guide CDF's work."