Ichthyology. RONDELET. Libri de piscibus mari... Lot n° 40

RONDELET, Guillaume. Libri de Piscibus Marinis, in quibus verae Piscium effigies expressae suntLyon, Mathias Bonhomme, 1554[Second title:]Universae aquatilium Historiae pars altera, cum veris ipsorum Imaginibus. Lyon, Mathias Bonhomme, 1555 2 Works combined in one in-folio volume. 345x215 mm. Eighteenth-century full stiff vellum binding, gold title on spine tassel. I: Pages [16], 583, [25]. Typographic mark to Frontispiece, portrait of the Author on the last unnumbered preliminary page (paper π2 verso), Ornate Headpieces and Initials, cursive, Greek, Roman typeface. Countless xyl. figures in the text. II: Pages 12], 242, [10]. Typographic mark to Frontispiece, Author's portrait on last unnumbered preliminary page (paper α6v]; Ornate Headers and Initials, cursive, Greek, Roman typeface. Countless xyl. figures in the text. Good condition. Rare first edition of the two works devoted to fish and aquatic animals. Beautifully figured works:typographic marks on both title pages, two portraits of the author, 439 illustrations in the text of fish and aquatic animals, woodcut initials. The two portraits are drawn by Pierre Vase, while the animals are drawn by Georges Reverdy. Westfall: "Although [Rondelet] was active in several branches of biology, his reputation effectively depends on his massive compendium on aquatic life, which covered far more species than any earlier work in the field. The 'Libri de piscibus marinis in quibus verae piscium effigies expressae sunt' (1554-5) laid the foundation for later ichthyological research and was the standard reference work for over a century. He published tracts 'De urinis' and 'De morbo gallico' and various other works on diagnosis. He produced several pharmacological works and contributed a large collection of medicinal plants to Montpellier. Rondelet was a progressive anatomist who believed in the importance of frequent dissections. At his solicitations the first anatomical amphitheatre was erected in France by Henri II at Montpellier in 1556." Norman, in reference to the first work: "The work is especially valuable for its accurate treatment of Mediterranean species, and for providing what are apparently the first zoological accounts of the manatee and the sperm whale. "Adams R-746 and R-747; BM/STC French p. 384; Garrison-Morton 282; Nissen ZBI 3474; Norman 1848. For the portraits: Baudrier, Bibliographie Lionnaise, X, p. 239; X, p. 239. Richard S. Westfall, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Indiana University). 2 volumes bound in one. Folio. 345x215 mm. Full 18th vellum parchment binding, gold title on the spine. I: Pages [16], 583, [25]. Printer's device on the Titlepage, portrait of the Author on the last unnumbered preliminary page (leaf π2 verso), Ornate Initials and Head-pieces, Italic, Greek, Roman type. Woodcut illustrations of fish throughout. II: Pages 12], 242, [10]. Printer's device on the Titlepage, portrait of the Author on the last unnumbered preliminary page (leaf α6v]. Ornate Initials and Head-pieces. Italic, Greek, Roman type. Woodcut illustrations of forms of aquatic life throughout. Good copy. Rare first edition of the two works devoted to fish and aquatic animals. Beautifully illustrated works: woodcut printer's devices on both title-pages, two portraits of the author, 439 woodcut text illustrations of fish and aquatic animals, woodcut initials. The two portraits are drawn by Pierre Vase, while the animals are drawn by Georges Reverdy. Westfall: "Although [Rondelet] was active in several branches of biology, his reputation effectively depends on his massive compendium on aquatic life, which covered far more species than any earlier work in the field. The 'Libri de piscibus marinis in quibus verae piscium effigies expressae sunt' (1554-5) laid the foundation for later ichthyological research and was the standard reference work for over a century. He published tracts 'De urinis' and 'De morbo gallico' and various other works on diagnosis. He produced several pharmacological works and contributed a large collection of medicinal plants to Montpellier. Rondelet was a progressive anatomist who believed in the importance of frequent dissections. At his solicitations the first anatomical amphitheatre was erected in France by Henri II at Montpellier in 1556. "Norman, referring to the first work: "The work is especially valuable for its accurate treatment of Mediterranean species, and for providing what are apparently the first zoological accounts of the manatee and the sperm whale." A.G. Keller in Dictionary of scientific biography, XI, pp. 527-28; Hirsch, IV, p. 871; British Museum IV, p. 1727; Garrison & Morton, 282; Wood, p. 541; Nissen, I, 3474; Dean III, p. 309; Brun, p. 284. Baudrier; X, pp. 239-40; Nissen, p. 83; Miall, p. 45-47; Cole, p.62; Carus, pp. 285-91. Petit & Theodorides, pp. 271-74; Oppenheimer, IV, 1936, pp. 817-34.