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Folio (361 × 239 mm.), pp. [x], 344; 30, [14], [12], including additional engraved title dated 1685 and signed "Paul van Somer", 187 full-page engraved plates. Numerous early marginal annotations, engraved title a little browned in the margins and expertly reinforced at inner margin, a few trivial spots and stains to plates. Contemporary panelled calf, sometime rebacked, preserving most of original label, some light abrasion to covers. Inscriptions of 'Ben. Langwith 1728' and 'C: Cottrell' to front pastedown. A very good copy, the plates very crisp and fresh.
First edition of Willughby's monumental Historia piscium, a project designed to follow his celebrated Ornithologia (1676). Willughby (1635-1720), author of some of the most important contributions in natural history before those of Linnaeus, toured the Continent extensively with John Ray, collecting material for his research and observing specimens to be reproduced in his drawings. He died before publishing his studies on fish. The large editorial work was undertaken by Ray, the renowned naturalist who had carried out extensive experimental work in embryology and plant physiology, a member of the Royal Society of London since 1667. Ray brought his taxonomy system to bear on Willughby's descriptions. Although broadly based on Aristotle's classification, it relied on anatomical and functional features, and was the first system based on the notion of species in the distinction of diverse animals and plants. The exceptional collection of plates is known in two editorial states, one with engravings on both recto and verso of each leaf, the second engraved on recto only. This copy has 'state b' plates, and the title-page which is sometimes bound before the plates is here bound at the beginning.
Wing W2877; Nissen 4417.
£4250.00
(equal to approx. US$6722.14* or €5267.71* for 19 May 2012)
* Dollar and Euro prices are given as a guideline only. The actual exchange rate may vary according to your payment option.
