On the Origin of Species: by Means of Natural Selection or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life

“…from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved”

Considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology, On the Origin of Species, was published in 1859. This work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin introduced the theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection.

In this seminal work, considered to be the groundwork of evolutionary biology, Darwin unveils his revolutionary theory, illuminating the intricate mechanisms driving the diversity of life on Earth. It gave evidence that the variety of life resulted from a common descent via a branching model of evolution. Darwin incorporated facts that he had collected on the Beagle mission in the 1830s and his succeeding findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.

In his theory of natural selection, Darwin challenged orthodox thought in stating that no being or species has been specifically created; all are locked into a pitiless struggle for existence, with extinction looming for those who are not fit for the task. Yet, there is also a humane and inspirational vision of ecological interrelatedness. Revealed are the complex mutual interdependencies between animal and plant life, climate and physical environment, and—by implication—within the human world.

This timeless masterpiece remains one of the founding documents of the modern ages. It is both engaging and enlightening, combining science with the subtlety of literature and continues to captivate and inspire not only scientific inquiry, but curious minds throughout the world.

Darwin consolidated a lifetime of work in On the Origin of Species, compiling his discoveries from the voyage of the Beagle, his experiments, research and correspondence. He argues for the transmutation of species over time by the process of natural selection. His work laid the foundation of evolutionary biology, though when it was published it caused tremendous religious and philosophical debates. Darwin's work is still seen by many people to oppose Christian beliefs.