London, The Royal Society, 1896. 4to (29.2 x 22.3 cm). Drophead title, 263 pp. [numbered 83-345]; 76 woodcuts in the text (several in two colours); large, double-folded chart. Contemporary polished half calf over marbled boards. Spine with gilt bands and black calf label with gilt title. Speckled edges. Original printed front wrapper bound in.

An early paper on a new approach of understanding coral evolution, morphology, and systematics, which represents the first study in the field of systematics and evolution based on microscopic researches by a female scientist. Maria Matilda Ogilvie (later, Dame Maria Matilda Gordon) (1864-1939) was the first British woman to receive a PhD in geology. "She was also a supporter and campaigner for the rights and equality of children and women" (Wikipedia). This work includes an historical review of the growing knowledge of coral diversity and systematics. Published in the Society's Philosophical Transactions Volume 187, this, however, being an offprint. The paper was communicated to the Society by another great Scottish geologist, Sir Archibald Geikie. Signed by the author in the top margin of the front wrapper. Boards worn at extremities; library label on front pastedown and weak stamp of the same on titlepage; binding with some inelegant repairs to the spine top and bottom. Neither in Cat BM(NH) (which, however, lists several of her later papers), nor in Nissen.