Bruxelles, T. Lejeune, 1833-1834. Five text volumes and one atlas. Large 8vo (24.2 x 15.7 cm). With 221 plates, viz. 188 lithographed plates of which 179 finely hand-coloured, and 33 engraved anatomical plates; folding table. Contemporary uniform green half calf, spines with gilt lettering and ornaments.

The first volume concerns "cétacés' and "quadrupèdes ovipares", the second "quadrupèdes ovipares" and "serpents", the third and fourth "poissons" and the fifth volume "élements des sciences naturelles" and is illustrated with 33 anatomical outline plates. The atlas volume contains 20 plates of whales; 48 of reptiles and 120 of fishes. Bernard-Germain-Étienne de La Ville-sur-Illon Comte de Lacépède (1756-1825) was one of the most influential zoologists of his time and successor to Buffon. He completed Buffon's famous Histoire naturelle by publishing the parts on fishes, reptiles and cetaceans (whales, dolphins). Light rubbing to boards; one volume with the upper part, and another with the lower part of the boards abraded and browned, affecting endpaper margins too (spine leather, however, not affected). Some foxing and toning to the text and plates, as usual. An attractively bound set. Adler I, p. 14; Nissen ZBI, 2344.