Gottingue [Göttingen] and Leide[n], Elie Luzac, 1754. 4to (26.2 x 21.5 cm). viii, 343 pp.; engraved title vignette and 31 folded, engraved plates by Van der Schley and Wandelaar. Contemporary half calf over speckled boards. Spine with red morocco label with gilt title, and gilt bands.

This work by the French naturalist Charles Bonnet (1720-1793) marks the beginning of the research of photosynthesis, the basis of the most important metabolic process on earth. DSB: "For his masterly experimentation Bonnet should be considered one of the first naturalists to investigate experimentally the question of photosynthesis". This copy has large margins, without the usual browning or foxing. Board rubbed with some loss of the board-covering paper. Plate VI bound after plate X; spine top frayed, outer edge of plate V shaved. Otherwise a good, clean copy. DSB 2, p. 286; Nissen BBI, 201.