xvi, 125 pp., [3] pp. of publisher’s ads. Large 4to, cont. mottled calf (a few careful repairs to upper joint & corners), triple gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine, a.e.g. The Hague: P. de Hondt, 1756.

First edition in French (1st ed., in English: 1755); this is one of the few copies which has fine and delicate contemporary coloring. Ellis (ca. 1710-76), whom Linnaeus termed a “bright star of natural history” and “the main support of natural history in England,” was one of the earliest marine zoologists. With the Swede Daniel Solander (1733–1782), he discovered... More

Fine engraved headpiece (repeated three times) depicting a scientist in his laboratory & 53 folding engraved plates. xx, 38, 124 pp.; vi, 78, 27 pp. Two vols. in one. Large 4to, cont. polished calf (corners very carefully repaired), spine gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Paris: Briasson, 1754-55.

Second edition, greatly enlarged, of the first French book on microscopy (1st ed.: 1718 with the title Descriptions and only 34 plates). Joblot (1645-1723), professor of mathematics at the Ecole nationale des Beaux-Arts, probably became interested in microscopy during the visit of Huygens and Hartsoeker to Paris in 1678 when they demonstrated microscopes brought from Holland.

While Joblot’s observations were largely limited to protozoa in the first edition, the second edition reflects his study of minerals, plant cross-sections, and insects, illustrated on the plates in the first volume. The charming headpiece, repeated three times, depicts a scientist in his laboratory, surrounded by instruments, specimens, and books. The second volume contains a number of fine plates depicting many new kinds of microscopes and their construction. More

Engraved allegorical vignette on title & 22 folding engraved plates. 12 p.l., 531, [5] pp. Large 4to, cont. half-sheep & speckled boards (light foxing throughout), spine gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Altenburg: Richter, 1755.

First edition in German (1st ed.: 1738). This is an important edition, containing the valuable alterations and additions of Abraham Gotthelf Kästner (1719-1800), professor of mathematics and physics at the University of Göttingen. He became “an influential figure through his teaching and writing; Göttingen’s reputation as a center of mathematical studies dates from that time. Kaestner is also known in German literature, notably for his epigrams...Kaestner owes his place in... More