Natural History, Science & Medicine
BUFFON, [George Leclerc].
Histoire naturelle, générale et particuli'ere. Vols 1-3: Theorie de la terre; 4. Histoire des animaux; 5. Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme, &: Epoques de la nature. Vols 1-8; Quadrupeds. Vols 1-9; Oiseaux. Vols 1-5: Mineraux. Vols 1-2, Ovipares [and] Serpents
L'Imprimererie Royale, Paris 1770-1789. . Mixed edition. 30 vols, 4to (26.5 x 20 cms), 3 frontispieces, vols 1-5 (Histoire Naturelle), portrait, 36 engraved plates, 3 charts, vols 1-8 ( Quadrupeds), 439 engraved plates, vols 1-9 (Oiseaux), 262 engraved plates, vols 1-5 (Mineraux) , 10 loose folding charts, vols 1-2 ( Ovipares, Serpents), 63 engraved plates, 2 folding tables, 2 plates skilfully restored, 14 engraved vignettes throughout, (800 engraved plates in total), contemporary fulll polished calf, spine gilt in compartments,red labels, gilt lettered, extremities slightly rubbed; overall a very attractive set.
This set is a mixed edition from the first and second quarto editions all with the imprint "Oeuvres completes". It lacks 14 vols including 7 vols of quadrupeds, the posthumously published "Poissons et Cetacces". Buffon (1707 -1788) is best remembered for this work of great scientific importance. He influenced the next two generations of naturalists including Charles Darwin. "Buffon's work is of exceptional importance because of its diversity, richness, originality, and influence.... He emphasized the importance of natural history....envisioned the nature of science and understood the roles of paleontology, zoological, geography and animal pyschology." (Nissen). Nissen ZB1 672; Brunet 1, 1376f.
Price: £ 7500
US Dollar Price: $ 14880
Stock Number: 70942