Bonnaterre, [P. J.]
Tableau encyclopédique et methodique des trois regnes de la nature, dédié et présenté a M. Necker, Ministre d'État, & Directeur Général des Finances. Ophiologie.
Paris, Panckoucke, 1790. Large 4to (30.5 x 23.5 cm). xliv, 76 pp.; plates A, 1-42. Title page of the part and the work. Contemporary (original?) marbled boards.
This is a part of the famous Encyclopédie Méthodique and forms the separate dictionary on snakes. The text contains a systematic review of the world of snakes with detailed descriptions and many new names. Being strictly binomial, this is an important early contribution to the taxonomy and nomenclature of snakes. Uncut. Boards detached, much rubbed. Some marginal fraying and chipping (as usual with an uncut copy) but the other text pages good. Plates from Plate 14 onwards with a light damp-stain at the outer margin, gradually becoming stronger and wider. Plate 42 is included twice (one soiled but not damp-stained). Crane Library, AC61-62; Nissen ZBI, 4621; Vanzolini I, p. 8.