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1749 Buffon Histoire Naturelle first eds
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1749 Buffon Histoire Naturelle first eds
Spines of two first edition books (1749) " Histoire Naturelle, generale et particuliere". The first of 36 Volumes by the Compte de Buffon published between 1749 and 1789. The series covered the animal and mineral kingdoms, and contentiously included man as a subject of natural historical investigation. They were said to have been read by every educated person in Europe. He did not believe in evolution, but did believe that species could be incrementally changed by the conditions they grew up in. He thought the American fauna was degenerate, an idea which caused Thomas Jefferson to send soldiers to get a moose to send him, (and redouble efforts to find mammoth fossils). The books paid little attention to theological dogma, which earned him the condemnation of the Sorbonne. He retracted the statements saying " it is better to be humble than hung" but continued publishing them all the same
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Media ID 6316379
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century Bible Biogeography Books Buffon Evolution Histoire Naturelle Natural Natural History Science And Religion Spines Transmutation Compte
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the spines of two first edition books from 1749, titled "Histoire Naturelle, generale et particuliere" part of the renowned series by Compte de Buffon. Spanning an impressive 36 volumes published between 1749 and 1789, these books delved into the animal and mineral kingdoms, even daring to include man as a subject of natural historical investigation. Although Buffon did not believe in evolution per se, he held the belief that species could undergo incremental changes based on their environmental conditions. His controversial idea that American fauna was degenerate led Thomas Jefferson to send soldiers on a mission to procure a moose for him and spurred intensified efforts to uncover mammoth fossils. Notably, these groundbreaking works paid little attention to theological dogma, which drew condemnation from the Sorbonne. In response, Buffon retracted his statements with the famous quote: "it is better to be humble than hung". However, he remained undeterred in publishing his revolutionary ideas. Considered essential reading for every educated person in Europe at the time, these books played a significant role in shaping scientific discourse during the 18th century. This print serves as a testament to Buffon's contributions to biogeography and our understanding of Earth's history while highlighting the intersection between science and religion during this era.
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