London, The Royal Society, 1799. Two papers in one. Large 4to (29.4 x 22.6 cm). 55 [33; 22] pp.; 17 [8; 9] large, folded engraved plates. Original printed wrappers.

The most detailed study of Asiatic elephants to that date. It includes a detailed account of the Bengalese "taxonomy" and nomenclature of elephants, which differ widely from the scientific ones. The plates mainly show parts of the skull and the teeth. John Corse [later: John Corse-Scott of Sinton (or Synton)] (ca. 1762-1842) was an army surgeon and naturalist who resided in India for a long time. He wrote more on elephants, but this is his most important anatomical-osteological contribution. Subsequent to Corse's paper, and announced there as a continuation, is a work by Everard Home ( Some observations on the structure of the teeth of graminivorous quadrupeds; particularly of the elephant and Sus aethiopicus), which includes illustrations of the African elephant's teeth as well. Both publications were communicated by Sir Joseph Banks and sometimes he is - wrongly - listed as the author. Published in the Society's Philosophical Transactions 1799, Part II, with a few unrelated papers. Uncut, with ample margins. Covers somewhat soiled, some light marginal spots, otherwise a very good, clean and unmarked copy. Neither in Nissen nor in Wood.