Details
WILLUGHBY, Francis (1635-1672). De historia piscium libri quatuor. Oxford: Sheldonian Theatre for the Royal Society. 1686.
2o (378 x 249 mm). Engraved title by Paul van Somer; 187 engraved plates. Contemporary calf, gilt arms on sides (rebacked, preserving original gilt spine, corners renewed).
FIRST EDITION. The work was a collaboration between Willughby and John Ray (1627-1705), and includes essays on the definition of the fish, on their anatomy, and on their phsiology. The work divides fish according into the Aristotelean categories of Cetacei, Cartilaginei, and Spinosi, and includes a description of the reproductive organs and a rejection of the theory of reproduction through spontaneous generation. Wing W-2879; Norman 1793.
2o (378 x 249 mm). Engraved title by Paul van Somer; 187 engraved plates. Contemporary calf, gilt arms on sides (rebacked, preserving original gilt spine, corners renewed).
FIRST EDITION. The work was a collaboration between Willughby and John Ray (1627-1705), and includes essays on the definition of the fish, on their anatomy, and on their phsiology. The work divides fish according into the Aristotelean categories of Cetacei, Cartilaginei, and Spinosi, and includes a description of the reproductive organs and a rejection of the theory of reproduction through spontaneous generation. Wing W-2879; Norman 1793.