The exact date of the book's first publication is uncertain.[1] Brewer believed it was 1840[3] but other sources suggest 1841[3] or as late as 1847.[11] A second edition of the book was published in 1848[11][12] and two more in 1849.[11] A total of 47 editions were published with the 47th edition appearing in 1905.[3] The print runs were among the highest of any scientific book published in the second half of the 19th century,[11] and Brewer said the success of the book was almost unparalleled at the time.[1] Several translations of the book were made including a Spanish translation in 1858[16] and two French translations.[17] The French translations were themselves translated into Swedish in 1858[17] and 1890[18] and into Portuguese in 1900.[19]