Amsterdam, M. Westerman & Zoon, 1848-1854. Large 4to/Folio mix (35.2 x 27.1 cm). Title page, 132 pp. [52, 80]; 39 lithographed plates, of which five double-sized, and 20 finely hand-coloured. Contemporary gilt-bordered half morocco over marbled boards. Spine with five rectangular compartments with gilt and black embossed borders, and gilt title. Marbled endpapers. Top edge gilt.

Important, and well-illustrated start of a natural history periodical published by the Amsterdam Zoo, informally known as "Artis", and including many descriptions of new and rare species, illustrated with fine lithographed plates - for instance 12 beautiful bird plates all hand-coloured by the Dutch natural history lithographer Pieter Willem Marinus Trap (1821-1905). Birds, mammals (including a wonderful, double-sized hand-coloured plate of the potto), and reptiles form the largest part. Several species are new. A few studies deal with invertebrates, such as crabs. Authors include the German-Dutch zoologist and ornithologist Hermann Schlegel (1804-1884), the zoologist and one of the founders of the Amsterdam zoological society and zoo, Natura Artis Magistra, Gerardus Frederik Westerman (1807-1890), and the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck (1778-1858), who is considered one of the greatest ornithologists of all time. Detailed, well-illustrated monographs of the narwhal, and of the West Indian manatee were written by the Dutch medical doctor, anatomist and vertebrate zoologist Willem Vrolik (1801-1863). The first issues, especially, are rare as the periodical was published in very small runs up to 1860. Page numbering starts anew in a section titled (in the index only), Vergelijkende Dierkunde [Comparative Zoology]. The idea was to separate, upon binding, the zoological, taxonomical papers and the anatomical papers. This recommendation, however, was not always followed by the bookbinders, leading to confusing page-numbering. In this copy, however, this error has been avoided. Inscribed, in light pencil, by a former private owner, and dated 1935. A few spots, otherwise a very good, clean and unmarked copy. Nissen ZBI, 4597.