On the Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Adaptation of External Nature to the Moral and Intellectual Constitution of Man; On the Adaptation of External Nature to the Physical Condition of Man; Animal and Vegetable Physiology Considered with Reference to Natural Theology; On the Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation of Animals and in Their History, Habits, and Instincts

An attractive set comprising four nineteenth century treatises on natural theology. Treatise I, II, V and VII of the Bridgewater Treatises. With over four hundred in-text illustrations to the fifth treatise by Peter Mark Roget. With eight plates to the first volume by Kirby, and fifteen to the second, collated and complete. The Bridgewater Treatises are a series of eight works on natural theology written by leading nineteenth century scientific figures. The present collection contains treatises by Thomas Chalmers, John Kidd, Peter Mark Roget, and William Kirby, who were all appointed by the President of the Royal Society to fulfil the 8th Earl of Bridgewater's request for a work on the 'Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God, as manifested in the Creation'. The series was widely read upon its publications, and made an important contribution to Victorian discussions of the relationship been religion and science. The treatises by Chalmers and Kidd are bound in one volume, whilst those by Roget and Kirby are spread across two. The selection comprises mixed editions, including a first edition of the treatise by William Kirby, a second edition of Peter Mark Roget's treatise, and third editions of Thomas Chalmers and John Kidd's contributions. Prior owner's ink inscription to the series title in across all six volumes, 'Wentworth W. Butler. February 1856.' In a contemporary calf binding with decorative spines. Externally, very smart. Very lightly rubbed to the joints and the spine, with some light rubbing to the extremities of the volume by Chalmers, and the second part of Roget's treatise. Internally, firmly bound. With light scattered foxing throughout, except from treatise by Roget, in which pages are generally bright and clean. Near Fine.…