The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on Their Habits.

DARWIN, Charles.

$300.00

Item Number: 146649

London: John Murray, 1881.

Early edition of this study of the habits of worms. Octavo, original publisher’s green cloth, illustrated with diagrams, errata slip tipped in. In very good condition with light bumping to the crown and foot of the spine.

Published shortly before Darwin's death, 'Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms' explored earthworm behaviour and ecology through the lens of adaptation. It was the first significant work on soil bioturbation, although Darwin had not used the term in his writing. 'Worms' became available in October 1881 and sold thousands of copies in its first few weeks, despite Darwin's comment to German translator Victor Carus that it was "a small book of little moment."