Essai sur l’histoire naturelle de la mer Adriatique avec une letttre Leonard Sesler
A La Haye: P. de Hondt, 1758. 4to. [ii], iv, 73 pp., plus 5-page publisher's catalogue. FIRST EDITION IN FRENCH, TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN. Title in red and black, woodcut headpieces and initials, and 11 engraved plates. Calf-backed pebbled boards; last 3 leaves skillfully reinforced at fore-edge. From the library of Jerry Stannard. Item #10618
The first French translation of Donati's Della storia naturale marine dell'Adriatico with the author's corrections and Sesler's letter describing the new species Vitaliana perennis. "This edition counts for purposes of nomenclature" (see Stafleu & Cowan).
Donati (1717-62), physician and naturalist, was born in Padua. He is well known for his scientific and commercial mission to Egypt and the East Indies. The voyage had a double purpose: to collect samples for the museum and the Botanic Garden, and to observe in those countries the processes of mineral extraction, agricultural cultivation, and livestock breeding. In 1751 King Charles Emmanuel of Savoy called him to the chair of Botany at Turin University allowing him to continued his important activities in botany, mineralogy, and geology, and where he made relevant observations on climate, earthquakes, and mining.
Price: $850.00