Historiae Naturalis de Quadrupetibus Libri Cum aeneis figuris by Johannes Jonstonus [Jon Jonston or John Johnston] - 1650

Francofurti ad Moenum: Math. Merian, 1650 A scarce 1st edition copy of Quadrupeds, the first of 6 works on the natural world by Jon Jonston with decorative title and 80 full page plates of quadrupeds. Jonston (1603-1675) was of scottish heritage, born in Poland. He studied in Scotland and in Leiden, becoming an MD and was well regarded as a doctor. His work on the natural world was designed to be an encyclopaedia of known species. The first 4 books were produced between 1650 and 1653, and then reprinted in 1657, with 2 further volumes in 1665. Quadrupeds is illustrated by Mattheus Merian and the plates show a mix of recognisable animals eg lions together with mythical beasts eg unicorns. This copy is in a new full calf binding with gilt lines and title label to spine and a panelled design to the boards. The binding is in fine condition. New endpapers. Contents: engraved title; dedication p3; Preface pp 4-7; text with 80 plates arranged in 4 books pp 8-213; title and text on Hyaena Odorifera pp 214-232; syllabus [index] 3pp; finis; index 1p. Text with decorative head and tailpieces and initial capitals. There is occasional light staining and marking and the top margin is closely cropped to the top edge of the titles in some places. Plates are bound out of numerical order but follow the text. The title has an old paper repair to verso; plate XLIII has lost the bottom corner tip; and there is small paper repair to the bottom margin of plate LI. There is a small round library stamp to the base of p231.