Pierre Bulliard | Flora Parisiensis. Paris, 1776–1783, 6 volumes, Parisian flora described

Jean Baptiste François [Pierre] Bulliard.

Flora Parisiensis, ou descriptions et figures des plantes qui croissent aux environs de Paris. Paris: Chez Didot le Jeune, Libraire, Quai des Augustins, 1776–1783

FIRST EDITION, 6 volumes, 8vo (200 x 120mm.), general title page in volume 1 within hand-coloured engraved border, titles in volumes 2–6 within ornamental borders, 642 unnumbered hand-coloured engraved plates divided into 24 orders across 6 volumes, each accompanied by a page of description, with 33 pp. Table Françoise, 5 pp. errata, and 15 pp. Classes et Ordres de Linné Index in volume 6 (often lacking), contemporary tree calf, spines gilt

A CLASSIC HERBAL OF PLANTS AND FUNGI FROM THE ÎLE-DE-FRANCE REGION, a rare complete copy of the first and only edition, with introduction and index present, both often lacking.

Pierre Bulliard, a French physician, botanist, and pupil of Rousseau, produced two ambitious works: this taxonomy of the plants and fungi of the Paris region, and the Herbier de la France (1780–1793). While the latter was illustrated with engraved and colour-printed plates, the entire six volumes of Flora were completely hand-coloured by Bulliard himself.

Stafleu describes Bulliard as a "picturesque outsider" who "represented the Linnaean tradition in Paris" as a "descriptive naturalist" and "industrious and skilled draftsman and floristic botanist." They consider Flora Parisiensis to be "a rarity." Especially so when it is complete as here: De Belder writes, "this work is usually found incomplete, the sixth volume and introduction being particularly rare (the latter lacking in the Bibliothèque Nationale copy)."

Bulliard practiced medicine in Paris after studying anatomy and botany while ensconced in the Abbey of Clairvaux. While on walks through the environs of the French capital, his taste for natural sciences inspired him to change course away from medicine and toward his mammoth book project Flora Parisiensis.

LITERATURE:

Brunet 1:1388; De Belder 50; Dunthorne 69; Nissen BBI 295; Plesch 106; Great Flower Books (1990), p.81; Stafleu TL2 904