DARWIN (Charles). On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life. Fourth edition, with additions and corrections (eighth thousand). London: John Murray, 1866. - In-8, 198 x 128: xxi, 593, 32 pp. cat. 1 plate. Publisher's green percaline (Edmonds & Remnants). Freeman, 385. Fourth English edition, revised and enlarged, of one of the most important scientific texts in history. Published in December 1866, only 1,500 copies were issued. With 52 pages more than the previous edition, it is the second most important increase made to this text. Copy complete with folding plate and publisher's catalog. The latter is dated January 1865, indicating that this is certainly a first-issue copy. It comes from the library of the Pease brothers, Walter and John William, members of one of the great Quaker industrial families of the 19th century, with the former's signature dated April 1867 and the latter's heraldic bookplate. Minor wear to headpieces, skillful restoration to inner hinges. Provenance: Walter Pease (1843-1871), with autograph signature. - John William Pease (1836-1901), with bookplate. - Sotheby's, Library of an English Bibliophile, Part VII, London, November 7, 2017, no. 75.