SAY, Thomas [1787-1834] American Entomology or Descriptions of the insects of North America, two volumes (only) tall 8vo. Philadelphia 1824, with thirty-five coloured plates after T.R. Peale engraved by C. Tiebout, disbound, retaining printers pink boards, engraved green label on upper cover of vol. one Thomas Say [1787-1834] has been considered the father of American entomology and conchology. He was a founding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. This, his magnum opus was published in 1824, 1825 and 1828. Provenance: Dawesfield House, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA Lots 92 - 175 form part of the original contents of Dawesfield, Lewis Lane, Ambler, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania - an iconic American farmhouse built by Abraham Dawes and by descent through generations of the female line. It served as the Revolutionary Headquarters of General George Washington from 20th October until 2nd November, 1777. The books (lots 133 - 160) are from the personal library of Dr. Thomas Chalkey James (1766 - 1835) who was married to Hannah née Morris. Dr James was a Philadelphia physician and joined the staff of Pennsylvania hospital. In 1810 he was elected professor of midwifery at the University of Pennsylvania. He favoured being part of the intellectual and scientific life of Philadelphia, Dr James was a member of the American Philosophical Society, the librarian of the College of Physicians and a founder of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is known that he preferred a quiet literary life at Dawesfield, which is witnessed by the categories of the books that were housed in the library.