NATURAL HISTORY OF INSECTS Jan Swammerdam + Others, 1st 1792 RARE Copper Plates

  The Natural History of Insects, Compiled from Swammerdam, Brookes, Goldsmith, &c. Intended as a Companion to Buffon's Natural History; Embellished with Copper-Plates — First Edition First Printing, 1792 Leather-bound

 Publisher: R. Morrison Junior, Perth (1792)

Very rare and beautiful, first edition, first printing of "The Natural History of Insects" from 1792. A unique collection, in text and images, of the entomology studies from the leading authorities at the time with 20 very rare copper engravings. Most notable of the entomologists, Jan Swammerdam, who pioneered the use of the microscope for use in anatomy drawing, and anatomical conclusions through the use of insects, animals and finally humans. He was the first to observe red blood cells with a microscope. The re-bound blue leather boards and binding are in very fine condition, with hardly any shelf-wear. The pages are crisp, bright and clean save for a spots of foxing the the top corner of page 21, a spot of foxing on plate 20, inside cover and last blank page. The copper engraved plates are magnificent, and show exceptional detail and richness of the insects.