Memoir's for a Natural History of Animals. Containing the Anatomical Descriptions Of Several Creatures Directed by The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris

London: Printed by Joseph Streater, for sale by T Basset, J Robinson, B Aylmer, Joh Southby And W Canning, 1688 A very good copy of this important work on comparative anatomy with engraved title; rubricated title and 30 plates. The original publication had 2 separate parts, both complete in themselves - the second section 'The Measure of the Earth' translated by Richard Waller, is not present. Alexander Pitfeild undertook to translate this work, originally led by Charles Perrault for the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris. Animals, mostly from the royal menageries at Vincennes and Versailles, were supplied to the Royal Academy, for detailed study and dissection. The first publication including 13 species, appeared in 1671 with a second volume 5 years later. The publications had very short print runs and were very expensive being elephant folio with detailed art work mainly by Sebastien Leclerc. There was a growing desire to learn about natural history and the nature of animals and copies of Perrault's work were almost impossible to obtain. Pitfeild's translation was much needed and it became the only work published on comparative anatomy in England between 1660 and 1700. Richard Waller undertook the illustrations, copying Leclerc but reducing the size, taking care to keep the drawings in proportion. The second part, missing here, was undertaken not because it was linked in any way, but because it was important and of interest to the Royal Society. Copies of Pitfeild's translation are extremely scarce. This copy is in a new binding with cloth spine with title label and paper-covered boards. Contents: engraved title page; rubricated title page; permission for printing by the Royal Society (with 2 ink reference numbers at the top); dedication; To The Reader 2pp; preface 9pp; text pp 1- 267 with 30 plates (p 1 with small stamp to bottom margin; a few light ink spots to bottom side margins pp 48 & 49; small repaired edge tear bottom p141; alphabetical table of animal names with errata 2pp; index of anatomical matters 11pp; finis. Contents in very good clean condition. There is some staining which is mostly to the top outer page corners and varies in intensity. Occasional light marking elsewhere. Please enquire if you would like to see more images.