Mémoires, pour servir à l'histoire d'un genre de polypes d'eau douce, à bras en forme de cornes.

4to: xv-[1]-324-[1] pp. (some minor browning).

Cont. calf, gilt decor. spine on 5 raised bands (somewhat rubbed, top corners sl. bumped), red leather title label, gilt sides. Good copy.

First edition of this work on hydra, a genus of small, fresh-water organisms, by the Genevan naturalist Trembley (1710-1784). He was the first to study freshwater polyps and among the first to develop experimental zoology. Trembley continued the work of the Dutch naturalist Ant. van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) who in 1702 discovered the new species but never came with a scientific proof. Complete with 13 fold. pl. showing the different polyps observed. With 8 nice vignettes by J.V. Schley figuring Trembley in his laboratory or taking samples from the basins of Count W. Bentinck, who had hired him as tutor to his two sons. Ref. Nissen (ZBI) 4163. - STCN.