The Principles of Psychology

London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1855 . First edition. Leather. Good Only. 9" by 6". None. Religious philosopher James Martineau's copy of the very scarce first edition of Herbert Spencer's work exploring the physiological basis for psychology. The very scarce first edition of this work.With the inscription of James Martineau to a front blank. Martineau was a British religious philosopher influential in the history of Unitarianism. He was the brother of atheist social theorist and abolitionist Harriet Martineau.Herbert Spencer's work is founded on the assumption that the human mind is subject to natural laws, and that these could be discovered within the framework of general biology, and the theory of phrenology.Spencer originated the expression "survival of the fittest", after reading Darwin's 'On the Origins of Species'.Below Martineau's signature is the later inscription 'To the Rev. James Harwood from the family of the late Dr. Martineau, May 1900'. In a half morocco binding, with marbled paper covered boards. Front board detached. Rear joint starting, with board a touch tender to head. Rubbing to back strip head and tail and board perimeters. Former owner's inscription to a front blank. Pages clean and bright. Good Only