Gerard Blasius - Anatome Animalium. Terrestrium variorum, Volatilium, Aquatilium, Serpentum, Insectorum - 1681

BLASIUS Gerard. Anatome Animalium. Terrestrium variorum, Volatilium, Aquatilium, Serpentum, Insectorum, Ovorumque structuram naturalem. Amsterdam, sumptibus vidua Joannis a Someren, 1681. Spectacular and famous work of comparative anatomy by the famous Dutch doctor. First general systematic treatise on comparative anatomy based on the original research of an experimental anatomist. Particularly wide and relevant section on dogs, first treatise on a vertebrate animal after that of Ruini on horses. Superb antique parchment binding with coats of arms of a member of the Gallo family. Gold coat of arms of the family on the front plate. Heraldic decoration surmounted by a crown on the back. Calligraphic title on the spine. Illustrated by 65 extraordinary plates that depict in an extremely lively way anatomical details of camels, dogs, lions, tortoises, bears, eagles, pigeons, hens, sharks, cuttlefish, eels, whales, pikes, salamanders, lizards, frogs, crickets, locusts and many other animals. Size: 27x21 cm, pp. 6 nn. - 494 - 2 nn. A magnificent copy.