Libri de Piscibus Marinis, in quibus verae Piscium effigies expressae sunt + Universae aquatilium Historiae pars altera, cum veris ipsorum Imaginibus, two volumes in one (in late 19 century polished calf)

Lyons: Matthias Bonhomme, 1554, 1555. First edition.. The title-page is a bit worn and soiled, there are short and faint tidemarks confined to some outer margins, there are early ink marginalia in Latin on some pages; an extra illustration has been pasted on to page 238, the period binding is very attractive; a tight copy in very good condition.. Pp. (16), 583, (25); (12), 242, (10); 429 woodcuts from the designs of Georges Reverdi featuring 2 portraits of the author, numerous fishes, shells, crabs, crocodiles, serpents, turtles and other sea creatures. In period-style late 19th century brown polished calf leather, spine with six raised bands, lettered in gilt in one compartment, blind-stamped decorations to the front and rear boards, folio (13 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches). This is the first edition of Rondelet's towering achievement in the study of ichthyology and all varieties of aquatic life. "In this work, which covers all marine and freshwater zoology, Rondelet relied heavily on classical authority, particularly Aristotle. However, he also insisted on the value of experience, citing the results of his own experiments and anatomical investigations, and refusing to accept any statements contradicting what he himself had observed. His De piscibus marinis covered far more species than any earlier work in the field. It influenced the development of ichthyological research, and remained the standard for more than a century. The first section of De piscibus marinis constitutes a general treatise on comparative anatomy distinguishing species by their habits, parts and actions. The remainder of the work is an encyclopedia of over 300 aquatic animals, with each entry giving the subject's name in several languages, and outlining its way of life, feeding habits and characteristic anatomical features. The work is especially valuable for its accurate treatment of Mediterranean species and for providing the first zoological accounts of the manatee and sperm whale" (modified after Norman 1848). See also Adams R-746 and R-747; Garrison-Morton 282; Nissen ZBI 3474. From the library of David Lank of Montreal, Quebec with his custom bookplate on the front endpaper.