PBA Galleries

2 volumes. xvi, 224; xviii, 225-419, (13) pp. 86 fine copperplate engravings, most with multiple figures. Titles in red and black. (4to) modern full calf in a period style, spines gilt, red morocco labels. First Edition in English.

The most complete materia medica of its time. This first English edition is scarce. Volume two includes “A Catalogue of the Seeds of several scarce and curious  plants lately brought from the American Islands...by Joseph Donatus of Surian, a Physician of Marseilles, a Lover of Botany, and also Professor in America, being sent thither by the French King to promote Botanick Knowledge.”  Among the interesting plates are depictions of tobacco curing, sugar works, silk worm culture, etc. See Garrison-Morton 1827.1, citing the French edition of 1694. Wellcome IV, 411. Blake, p. 358. Hunt Catalogue 428. Not in Sabin despite the many references to America. With the early signatures of Cath. Weller, dated 1760, and Walter G. Frey, dated 1883, on the titles.