Paris, Cuchet, 1790. 8vo (19.6 x 12.5 cm). viii, 239 pp.; engraved folding plate showing several geological layers of Derbyshire. Contemporary full mottled calf. Spine rich gilt with floral vignettes, small red morocco label with gilt title. Marbled endpapers, red edges.

An early natural history and geological monograph on Ireland and the Isle of Raghery (= Rathlin Island, Ireland), including a geological work by the German geologist Johann Jacob Ferber (1743-1790) on Derbyshire in England. The author of this work is Reverend William Hamilton (1755-1797), an Irish cleric and magistrate who should not be confused with his contemporary namesake, William Hamilton, the volcanologist. He provided the first really detailed description of the geologically diverse and interesting northern coast of Ireland. Ward and Carozzi mention several similar English titles, as well as the German edition of the second paper by Ferber, which has a separate title page but consecutive page numbering. Of the latter, the British Museum library catalogue only lists the 1808 edition. Extremities a bit rubbed, front top joint starting. Otherwise a very good, clean copy. Rare. Cat. BM(NH) 2 p. 566. Ward and Carozzi, 797, 1006-1008.