The Natural History of Many Curious and Uncommon Zoophytes, Collected from Various Parts of the Globe

Description:

Systematically arranged and described by the late Daniel Solander. First edition. Drawings and engravings by J. Barnes, J. Miller, James Roberts.

John Ellis (c. 1710-1776) was a pioneering zoologist and microscopist who established the animal nature of zoophytes and laid the foundation of marine biology in Britain and Europe.

His two books, ‘Natural History of the Corallines’ (1755) and the posthumous ‘Natural History of Zoophytes’ (1786, partly written by Solander), were seminal works. Ellis's zoophyte descriptions and professionally drawn engravings were outstanding.

Following the deaths of both Ellis and Solander, Ellis’ daughter, Martha Watt, enlisted Sir Joseph Banks's help to retrieve the manuscript of the 'Natural History of Zoophytes' from Solander's effects at the Swedish embassy, and ensured publication. (ODNB).

Nissen ZBI 1283.

Condition

4to, recased, in orig. cont. marbled boards (rubbed/scuffed), rebacked and recornered with new calf in antique style, raised bands and gt rules to spine, red leather title piece, original endpapers preserved. Some browning and foxing, occasionally heavy.