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Memoir's for a Natural History of Animals. Containing the Anatomical Descriptions Of Several Creatures Directed by The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris

Memoir's for a Natural History of Animals. Containing the Anatomical Descriptions Of Several Creatures Directed by The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris

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Memoir's for a Natural History of Animals. Containing the Anatomical Descriptions Of Several Creatures Directed by The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris

by Charles Perrault; Alexander Pitfeild [translator]

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Very Good/N
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Birsay, Orkney, United Kingdom
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About This Item

London: Printed by Joseph Streater, for sale by T Basset, J Robinson, B Aylmer, Joh Southby And W Canning, 1688 A very good copy of this important work on comparative anatomy with engraved title; rubricated title and 30 plates. The original publication had 2 separate parts, both complete in themselves - the second section 'The Measure of the Earth' translated by Richard Waller, is not present. Alexander Pitfeild undertook to translate this work, originally led by Charles Perrault for the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris. Animals, mostly from the royal menageries at Vincennes and Versailles, were supplied to the Royal Academy, for detailed study and dissection. The first publication including 13 species, appeared in 1671 with a second volume 5 years later. The publications had very short print runs and were very expensive being elephant folio with detailed art work mainly by Sebastien Leclerc. There was a growing desire to learn about natural history and the nature of animals and copies of Perrault's work were almost impossible to obtain. Pitfeild's translation was much needed and it became the only work published on comparative anatomy in England between 1660 and 1700. Richard Waller undertook the illustrations, copying Leclerc but reducing the size, taking care to keep the drawings in proportion. The second part, missing here, was undertaken not because it was linked in any way, but because it was important and of interest to the Royal Society. Copies of Pitfeild's translation are extremely scarce. This copy is in a new binding with cloth spine with title label and paper-covered boards. Contents: engraved title page; rubricated title page; permission for printing by the Royal Society (with 2 ink reference numbers at the top); dedication; To The Reader 2pp; preface 9pp; text pp 1- 267 with 30 plates (p 1 with small stamp to bottom margin; a few light ink spots to bottom side margins pp 48 & 49; small repaired edge tear bottom p141; alphabetical table of animal names with errata 2pp; index of anatomical matters 11pp; finis. Contents in very good clean condition. There is some staining which is mostly to the top outer page corners and varies in intensity. Occasional light marking elsewhere. Please enquire if you would like to see more images.

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Details

Bookseller
E C Books GB (GB)
Bookseller's Inventory #
032445
Title
Memoir's for a Natural History of Animals. Containing the Anatomical Descriptions Of Several Creatures Directed by The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris
Author
Charles Perrault; Alexander Pitfeild [translator]
Illustrator
Richard Waller - after Sebastien Leclerc
Format/Binding
Hardcover
Book Condition
Used - Very Good
Jacket Condition
N
Quantity Available
1
Edition
1st Edition
Publisher
Printed by Joseph Streater, for sale by T Basset, J Robinson, B Aylmer, Joh Southby And W Canning
Place of Publication
London
Date Published
1688
Keywords
comparative anatomy; seventeenth century comparative anatomy; charles perrault; alexander pitfeild; richard waller; royal society; early natural history
Bookseller catalogs
NATURAL HISTORY; 17th century works;
Size
Folio - over 12 - 15" tall

Terms of Sale

E C Books

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.

About the Seller

E C Books

Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Biblio member since 2011
Birsay, Orkney

About E C Books

E C Books is a small online bookselling business, specialising in pre 20th century works:natural history, science, history, and travel, aiming for rarer and more unusual books. Our largest stock area is Natural History, where we have a good range of books from the 1700-1800's, many finely illustrated. Other areas include children's books, particularly late 1800's-early 1900's - again illustrated; and literature pre 1900.When you order books from us we ensure that they are properly packed to protect condition, and we always use recorded or 'signed for' postal services for more secure delivery. Please note that we have recently moved to the beautiful Orkney Islands, where we intend to open a bookshop over the next year. Because of our location we cannot guarantee 'next day' delivery but we will get your purchase to you as quickly and safely as we can.Please note that the buyer is responsible for the payment of any tax or duty on import.

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New
A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...
Errata
Errata: aka Errata Slip A piece of paper either laid in to the book correcting errors found in the printed text after being...
Spine
The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
Folio
A folio usually indicates a large book size of 15" in height or larger when used in the context of a book description. Further,...
Cloth
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