MURCHISON, Roderick Impey (1792-1871). The Silurian System, London: John Murray, 1839. 2 volumes plus the geological map, 4° (305 x 240). 45 lithographed plates, 2 folding and 3 hand-coloured, 2 maps and 9 folding hand-coloured geological sections. (Some spotting, heavier in vol. II). Contemporary calf, spines gilt, gilt inner dentelles, gilt edges. (Joints discreetly repaired, corners a little rubbed). With the hand-coloured engraved 3-sheet geological map, backed on linen, in original cloth slipcase. Provenance: J. A. Freilich (bookplate). FIRST EDITION of the work which placed Murchison firmly among the founders of modern geology. Norman 1569. (3)