Fine American Association

WELLS, WILLIAM CHARLES. An Essay on Dew, and Several Appearances Connected With It. The Second Edition. London: Printed for Taylor and Hessey, 1815. 12mo. [4], 150 pp. Contemp. gilt & blind stamped calf, minor rubbing. $1,250.00

G-M 1604 (1814) edition. "Well's most important contribution was his meticulous study of the formation of dew and the correct interpretation of his data....Charles Darwin considered Wells to have been the first to state the theory of evolution by natural selection."--DSB. This is important work on humidity and ventilation.

Born in Charleston, S.C., Wells lived almost his entire life abroad. Inscribed on the title in ink by the author to Dr. [James] Jackson, with the latter's bookplate.