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Charles Darwin

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Charles Darwin

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Auction Date:2013 Aug 14 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
LS beautifully and boldly signed in full, “Charles Darwin,” one page, 5 x 8, Down, Beckenham, Kent letterhead, July 17, 1875. Letter to Swiss zoologist and comparative anatomist Ludwig Rutimeyer who sent Darwin his book, Die Veranderung der Tierwelt in der Schweiz seit Anwesenheit des Menschen (Changes in the Animal World in Switzerland since the Presence of Human Beings). In full: “I am very much obliged to you for sending me your 'Veranderungen etc.' which is sure to interest me greatly, like everything else that you have written. With much respect I remain my dear Sir Yours sincerely.” In fine, clean condition. Accompanied by an unrelated ANS signed "L. Rutimeyer," dated March 25, 1896, sending his best wishes and autograph.

A contemporary of Charles Darwin, theology student–turned paleozoologist Ludwig Rutimeyer held mixed opinions on the controversial Origin of Species. On the one hand, he was one of the first to accept evolution, making his own significant contributions to the subject with his 1863 comparative study on the teeth of ungulates, in which he interpreted fossil mammals as parts of the evolutionary lineages by showing the gradual change in dentitions. On the other hand, he strongly disagreed with Darwin’s explanation of natural selection, instead believing in the existence of an innate principle of progressive perfection, a striving for improvement, especially in regard to human evolution. Despite their differences, the two men shared a strong respect for one another, sharing their publications and corresponding for decades. A wonderful letter from one scientific intellectual to another, boasting one of the most impressive full Darwin signatures we have seen.