Scheuchzer, Johann Jakob | First edition of the earliest general bibliography of geology and mineralogy

Scheuchzer, Johann Jakob

Bibliotheca scriptorum historiae naturalis omnium terrae regionum inservientium. Historiae naturalis helvetiae prodromus… Zurich: Typis Henricis Bodmeri, 1716

8vo (167 x 94 mm). Woodcut initials, ornamental head- and tailpieces; marginal worming to first few leaves, a few stray spots but overall a very clean copy. Contemporary vellum-backed boards, manuscript spine lettering, edges speckled red; spine apparently tightened, spine rubbed, corners bumped.

First edition.

The earliest general bibliography of geology and mineralogy, compiled in preparation for Scheuchzer’s comprehensive work on the natural history of Switzerland (Schuh).

REFERENCES

Schuh 4298

PROVENANCE

The Earls of Macclesfield (armorial bookplate, armorial stamp in blind to first four leaves; Sotheby’s London, 16 March 2004, lot 97)