De natura aquatilium carmen, in universam Gulielmi Rondoletii [...].

2 parts in 1 vol., 8vo: [20]-240-135 pp. (marg. browning).

Cont. calf, spine on 7 raised bands (rebacked and repaired at head and tail, sl. scratched). Good copy.

First and only edition of this epitome of G. Rondelet's "Libri des piscibus marinis" (1554-55), by the physician F. Boussuet (1520-1572). Ill. with woodcut portr. of the author and 370 fine engravings (260,110) by G. Reverdy, also used in Rondelet's work. They show fish, shells, sharks, crustaceans, tortoises, sea mammals (seals, dolphins, whales, orca, sawfish), squid and octopuses, a harpoon, but also three fantastic aquatic creatures labelled "De Monstro Leonino", "De Pisce Monachi habitu" and "De Pisce Episcopi habitu", resp. looking like a lion with scales, a monk-headed and a bishoplike creature. The second part focusses on shells, sea stars, crabs, fish and crocodiles. Each ill. is captioned with epigrammatic verses by Boussuet on the habitat, behaviour and reproduction of fish, and especially their culinary aspects. Ref. Nissen (ZBI) 511. - Adams B-2607. - Mortimer I:118. - Baudrier X:257. - STC French (BL) 80. - Pettegree FR-58910. - Opac KBR. Prov. Henri d'Outreman, Duc de Valenciennes (ownership entry on title).