1788 [Crocodiles-ovipares 12 FIGURES] LA CEPEDE COMTE DE, Histoire naturelle des quadrupédes, ovipares et des serpens (...). Tome premier.

28. LA CEPEDE COMTE DE, Histoire naturelle des quadrupédes, ovipares et des serpens (...). Tome premier.

Paris 1788, Hótel de Thou, 1 k. +359 s. +12 pl.

Exceptionally illustrated original edition of the continuation of Buffon's treatise, the monumental Natural History, one of the most important scientific publications of the Age of Enlightenment. Author Bernard Germain de Lacépède (1756-1825) was a French politician, naturalist and freedman who, influenced by Buffon's works, abandoned his military career. The subject of this sale is volume one of the entire series on quadrupedal animals, oviparous animals and snakes. They include such animals as turtles, lizards, crocodiles, iguanas, but also a curio lizard called a dragon (la dragone). All the engravings are signed. In total, the volume contains 12 full-page engravings, including one with crocodiles against a background of the Nile and a pyramid.

Period binding, full leather in db condition with minimal rubbing, especially at edges and corners; spine embossed and gilt with title and beautiful floral and geometric designs, but also with minimal rubbing; interior in db condition, occasionally stained but dry; engravings in db and bdb condition; overall db condition.