Anatomical and Zoological Researches: Comprising an account of the zoological results of the two expeditions to western Yunnan in 1868 and 1875; and a monograph of the two cetacean genera, Platanista and Orcella, in two volumes (text + hand-colored plates)

London: Bernard Quaritch, 1878 (1879). First edition.. The last five pages of the index of volume 1 with faint corner wrinkle, the top outer corner of the first six pages of volume 2 with a faint crease and some soiling, the text block and hand-colored plates are bright and clean without any foxing or browning, a tight copy in near fine condition in a very attractive binding.. Pp. (volume 1): (iv, (1, corrigenda dated 1879), (i)-xxv, (i, title page for Mammalia), 1-985; (volume 2): (iv, title page, half-title), (1, corrigenda), (1)-29 (index to plates), 85 full page lithographic plates (49 are hand-colored) many by Charles Berjeau, and J. G. Keulemans. One-half black leather over orange marbled boards with matching orange marbled endpapers, sm folio (13 x 10.5 inches; 33.5 x 26 cm). This massive two volume set documents two expeditions to northern Burma (Myanmar) and extreme western Yunnan in 1868 and 1875. The publication was limited to 250 copies only. John Anderson joined the 1868 expedition as a medical doctor and naturalist. He collected mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, molluscs, insects and crustaceans. The following taxa are illustrated in the fine hand-colored plates: monkeys (3), otter (1), bamboo rats (4), mouse (1), squirrels (Sciurus) (4), flying squirrels (Pteromys) (2), river dolphin (Orcella) (1), birds (10), turtles (20), molluscs (1), butterflies (1) and an anatomical diagram of cetaceans (1). The remaining 36 black-and-white lithographs depict line drawings of other species encountered on the expedition and many detailed anatomical diagrams of the bones and soft anatomy of cetaceans. Anderson focused specifically on the turtles; this monograph provides a major review of the enormous turtle diversity in South and Southeast Asia (Dr. Kraig Alder, personal comment). Another group singled out by Anderson for monographic treatment are the two Cetacean genera, Orcaella (the Irrawaddy River Dolphin) and Platanista (the South Asian River Dolphin). These two genera are critically endangered today so Anderson’s early observations are of great importance. Other artists that contributed to this work including John Anderson, George H. Ford, Henry H. Goodwin-Austen, Carl Griesbach, E. Loveau, Robert Mintern and George B. Sowerby. No ownership marks.