YOUMANS, E.L.; SPENCER, Herbert; SPOTTISWOODE, William; WALLACE, Alfred; MAYER, Alfred; DARWIN, Charles; EDISON, Thomas; et al. The Popular Science Monthly. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1872-1879. 6 1/2" H X 9 1/4" W (Octavo). Scarce First Edition run of the first seven years of Popular Science bound in their original embossed green cloth. Each volume containing the ownership bookplate of Edward Hicks on the front pastedown. A few volumes contain his stamped signature. Original spine gilt work in gold. Volumes 1-15 complete, with each volume containing a six month run of the monthly issues of Popular Science. A complete early run. Profusely illustrated throughout. A high concentration of material on race, sex, evolution and medical science. News of the invention of "the acoustic marvel of the century" by Thomas Edison (Vol. XII, Page 719). Articles include: Darwinism and Divinity, Evolution and the Spectroscope, How the Sea Depths are Explored, Evolution and Mind, The Doctrine of Natural Selection, Heredity and Race – Improvement, On Edison's Talking Machine, The Growth of the Steam Engine and many more. Provenance: the estate of Sarah Hunter Hicks Green, formerly of Historic Devon Farm, Nashville, Tennessee. CONDITION: Overall very good condition. A few of the volumes shaken. Bindings complete.