Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière avec la description du Cabinet du Roi.

20 vol., 4to: 681 pl. (pl. 19 and 27 missing in vol. 18, tear in pl. 43 in vol. 12, frayed edges).

Cardboard bindings. Some vol. unopened, uncut copy.

Set of 20 volumes (18 parts and 2 supplements) from the original edition (complete in 36 parts until 1788). Illustrated with a portrait of Buffon by Drouais, 18 engr. title-vign., 24 engr. headpieces and 681 full-page engr. pl. (incl. 2 maps in the 1st vol., 1 table "l'ordre des chiens" in the 5th vol. and pl. 46bis in the 12th vol.). Showing quadrupeds (cat, dog, zebra, tiger, elephant, etc.) and birds, presented alive, some dissected (with emphasis on the various reproductive organs) and with their skeletons.
Ref. Nissen (ZBI) 672.