[Conchology] L'histoire naturelle éclarcie dans deux de ses parties principales,

la lithologie et la conchyliologie, dont l'une traite des pierres et l'autre des coquillages, ouvrage dans lequel on trouve une nouvelle méthode & une notice critique des principaux auteurs qui ont écrit sur ces matiéres. Enrichi de figures dessinées d'après nature. Par M*** [= Antoine Joseph Dézallier d'Argenville] (...). Paris, printed by Quillau for De Bure, 1742, 2 parts in 1 vol. w. continuous pagination (8),105,(1); (3),110-491,(1) p., with 33 numbered engraved plates (incl. frontisp. by Chedel after Boucher, all according to the binder's index), contemp. "cat's paw" calf, gilt ribbed spine w. mor. letterpiece, large 4to.

Waterst. in blank margin near spine at the beginning; the plates of the second part with indication of the plate numbers as appearing in the second edition of 1757; title with crossed-through old owner's entry and the owner's entry "Brotel". Binding worn along extremities and covers sl. rubbed/ stained. Nizzen, ZBI, 145; DSB I, 243-244: "This work [by Antoine Joseph Dézallier d'Argenville (1680-1765)], illustrated with beautiful plates, was a great success. D'Argenville profited from the eighteenth century's infatuation with the natural sciences and, indeed, contributed to this vogue by publishing descriptions of the most notable exhibits of natural history in Paris and the provinces".