Grew, Nehemiah | Museum Regalis Societatis, first edition of the earliest catalogue of the collections of the Royal Society

Grew, Nehemiah

Musaeum Regalis Societatis, or a catalogue description of the natural and artificial rarities belonging to the Royal Society and preserved at Gresham College… whereunto is subjoyned the comparative anatomy of stomachs and guts. London: W. Rawlins for the author, 1681

2 parts in 1 volume, folio (320 x 194 mm). Engraved frontispiece of Sir Daniel Colwall, founder of the Royal Society, 31 engraved plates; light spotting, occasional marginal soiling. Contemporary mottled calf, blind-ruled covers, spine with gilt-stamped red morocco label; rebacked, rubbed at extremities, joints starting, corners worn.

First edition of the earliest catalogue of the collections of the Royal Society.

Grew’s Museum Regalis Societatis describes the Repository established by the Society at Gresham College, categorizing specimens of fossils, minerals, plants, and animals, as well as artefacts from around the world. Issued together with his Comparative Anatomy of Stomachs and Guts, it is among the most important early works of comparative anatomy and scientific museology.

REFERENCES

ESTC R23326; Garrison–Morton 297; Schuh I, 164; Nissen ZBI 1714; Heirs of Hippocrates 640; Wellcome III, 164

PROVENANCE

Ardoven Thomson of Banchory, Esq. (engraved armorial and early inscription on title-page)