Mendel's Principles of Heredity.

handsome tree calf

Third edition of 'the first textbook presentation of the elementary facts of genetics', one of the most important publications by one of the founders of genetics (Norman Library of Science and Medicine 135). A handsome copy in contemporary prize binding by Bickers of Leicester, awarded to G.B. Ash for first prize in dental surgery by the London School of Dental Surgery.

William Bateson (1861-1926) was one of the leading figures in the birth of genetics and the revival of Darwinian evolution at the turn of the twentieth century. Already studying heredity, in 1896 Bateson read the first paper by Hugo de Vries in the series that would reintroduce Mendelian genetics to the scientific community. He 'promptly turned to Mendel's text 'Versuche über Pflanzenhybriden' and recognized its significance... Eagerly he persuaded the [Royal Horticultural] society to have the paper translated into English and published in its Journal. Aided by his contacts in the Royal Horticultural Society and his friends in the Royal Society, Bateson gained support for the programme of Mendelian experiments upon which he now embarked' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography). He went on to make major discoveries in genetics, applying Mendel's work to Darwin's theory of evolution and discovering the first evidence of Mendelian heredity in humans. He named many of the primary concepts in the field, including coining the term 'genetics' itself. His campaign for long-term funding for the subject at Cambridge resulted in the endowment of the first chair in genetics.

Third edition; 8vo (22 x 14.5 cm); portrait frontispiece, four double-page plates in colour and 2 from monochrome photographs, 4 single plates of which 2 are in colour, illustrations within the text, spotting to the front matter and occasionally to the contents; tree calf prize binding by Bickers of Leicester, spine elaborately gilt in compartments, red and tan morocco labels, floral roll and London School of Dental Surgery crest to upper board gilt, marbled endpapers and edges, prize bookplate inscribed to G.B. Ash, a few minor scuffs and scratches to eh calf, excellent condition; 413pp.

Norman Library of Science and Medicine 135 (the first edition).