Lyell, Charles; Principles of Geology: Being An Inquiry how far the Former Changes of the Earth's Surface are referable to Causes now in Operation. In Four Volumes. The Fourth Edition. London, John Murray, 1835. Octavo, vol. 1, pp. xviii, 406, frontispiece, folded colored map. Vol. 2, pp. 465, 4 pages ads, 4 plates and folded maps. Vol. 3, pp. 455, 3 plates (one colored). Vol. 4, pp. 456, 6 plates (some folded, 1 colored), texts also contain figures.

The set is complete and in the original cloth with later gilt spine labels. Bindings are tight, minor wear to upper and lower spine edges. Owners book plate on paste down, society stamps on titles and verso of a couple of plates. Card pocket removed from rear paste down. Light foxing to some pages and some plates. Over all in very good condition.
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The fourth edition of Lyell's most important work. The Principles is considered one of the most important works in science. Lyell insisted that the processes of the past must be interpreted by those processes observed presently. This was his doctrine of uniformitarianism and led to his being considered the "father of modern geology". Darwin carried Lyell's work with him on the Beagle and considered it a major force in his understanding and interpreting his observations and formulating his theory of evolution. Lyell begins the fourth edition with a list of alterations, additions and omissions from previous editions.