Nancy, Mlle Gonet, [AND] Paris, J. B. Baillière, 1854-1858. Two volumes in two. 4to. 356 pp. [172; 184]; 46 [22; 24] lithographed plates. Original, near uniform printed wrappers.

Two rare papers on microscopic animals living in plants, by the French painter, forester and zoologist Paul Laurent (ca. 1790-after 1858). Illustrated by the author, an accomplished painter who had an exhibition at the famous Salon in Paris (see Art Lorrain website). Published with a four-year gap and very rare to see complete. Nissen errs in stating that both volumes should have 24 plates - the first one is complete with 22 plates. Uncut. ADDED: the prospectus to the first work, which confirms Nissen's error, stating 22 plates. It also states that work on this publication started in 1834. Provenance: with on the second volume's front wrapper a handwritten dedication by the author to M. Nicklès, and a printed label "A. M. Nicklès, Professeur à la Faculté des Sciences, à Nancy (Meurthe)" mounted on the half-title. Wrappers of the first volume frayed and chipped at the margins, with some repairs; some foxing to the plates, especially in the second volume, otherwise a very good, complete set. Cat. BM(NH), p. 1066; Nissen ZBI, 2393.