Paris, Georges Carré et C. Naud, 1899. Large 8vo (24.1 x 16.0 cm). Tiltle page, 221 pp. Contemporary or slightly later polished half calf over linen boards. Spine with five raised bands; compartments with gilt, snake head vignettes and burgundy morocco label with gilt title. Marbled endpapers. Top edge gilt. Original printed wrappers bound in.

A seldom-seen work by the French zoologist, ichthyologist, and, chiefly, carcinologist François Louis Henri "Henry" Coutière (1869-1952). Although the spine vignettes may suggest that this work is about snake "poison", it actually is about poisons and toxics in fish (poissons). Remnants of glue and paper on the front pastedown; hinges weak, some wear to the edges; otherwise very good. Front hinge starting; otherwise, the binding is very attractive. Definitely rare when complete with the wrappers, such as this copy. Not in Cat. BM(NH).