RONDELET, Guillaume. Libri de Piscibus Marinis, in quibus verae Piscium effigies expressae suntLyon, Mathias Bonhomme, 1554[Secondo titolo:]Universae aquatilium Historiae pars altera, cum veris ipsorum Imaginibus. Lyon, Mathias Bonhomme, 15552 Opere unite in un volume in-folio. 345x215 mm. Legatura piena pergamena rigida del XVIII secolo, titolo in oro su tassello al dorso. I: Pagine [16], 583, [25]. Marca tipografica al Frontespizio, ritratto dell’Autore nell’ultima pagina preliminare non numerata (carta π2 verso), Testate e Iniziali ornate, carattere corsivo, greco, romano. Innumerevoli figure xil. nel testo. II: Pagine 12], 242, [10]. Marca tipografica al Frontespizio, ritratto dell’Autore nell’ultima pagina preliminare non numerata (carta α6v]; Testate e Iniziali ornate, carattere corsivo, greco, romano. Innumerevoli figure xil. nel testo. Buono stato di conservazione. Rara prima edizione delle due opere dedicate ai pesci e agli animali acquatici. Opere magnificamente figurate:marche tipografiche su entrambi i frontespizi, due ritratti dell'autore, 439 illustrazioni nel testo di pesci e animali acquatici, iniziali xilografiche. I due ritratti sono disegnati da Pierre Vase, mentre gli animali sono disegnati da Georges Reverdy. Westfall: “Although [Rondelet] was active in several branches of biology, his reputation effectively depends on his massive compendium on aquatic life, which covered far more species than any earlier work in the field. The 'Libri de piscibus marinis in quibus verae piscium effigies expressae sunt' (1554-5) laid the foundation for later ichthyological research and was the standard reference work for over a century. He published tracts 'De urinis' and 'De morbo gallico' and various other works on diagnosis. He produced several pharmacological works and contributed a large collection of medicinal plants to Montpellier. Rondelet was a progressive anatomist who believed in the importance of frequent dissections. At his solicitations the first anatomical amphitheatre was erected in France by Henri II at Montpellier in 1556.” Norman, in riferimento alla prima opera: “The work is especially valuable for its accurate treatment of Mediterranean species, and for providing what are apparently the first zoological accounts of the manatee and the sperm whale.”Adams R-746 and R-747; BM/STC French p. 384; Garrison-Morton 282; Nissen ZBI 3474; Norman 1848. Per i ritratti: Baudrier, Bibliographie Lionnaise, X, p. 239; X, p. 239. Richard S. Westfall, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Indiana University).

2 volumes bound in one. Folio. 345x215 mm. Full 18th vellum parchment binding, gold title on the spine. I: Pages [16], 583, [25]. Printer's device on the Titlepage, portrait of the Author on the last unnumbered preliminary page (leaf π2 verso), Ornate Initials and Head-pieces, Italic, Greek, Roman type. Woodcut illustrations of fish throughout. II: Pages 12], 242, [10]. Printer's device on the Titlepage, portrait of the Author on the last unnumbered preliminary page (leaf α6v]. Ornate Initials and Head-pieces. Italic, Greek, Roman type. Woodcut illustrations of forms of aquatic life throughout. Good copy.
Rare first edition of the two works dedicated to fish and aquatic animals. Beautifully illustrated works: woodcut printer's devices on both title-pages, two portraits of the author, 439 woodcut text illustrations of fish and aquatic animals, woodcut initials. The two portraits are drawn by Pierre Vase, while the animals are drawn by Georges Reverdy. Westfall: “Although [Rondelet] was active in several branches of biology, his reputation effectively depends on his massive compendium on aquatic life, which covered far more species than any earlier work in the field. The 'Libri de piscibus marinis in quibus verae piscium effigies expressae sunt' (1554-5) laid the foundation for later ichthyological research and was the standard reference work for over a century. He published tracts 'De urinis' and 'De morbo gallico' and various other works on diagnosis. He produced several pharmacological works and contributed a large collection of medicinal plants to Montpellier. Rondelet was a progressive anatomist who believed in the importance of frequent dissections. At his solicitations the first anatomical amphitheatre was erected in France by Henri II at Montpellier in 1556.”Norman, referring to the first work: “The work is especially valuable for its accurate treatment of Mediterranean species, and for providing what are apparently the first zoological accounts of the manatee and the sperm whale.”