[Entomology] Merian, M.S. Die Schönsten Tafeln aus dem Grossen Buch

der Schmetterlinge und Plfanzen: Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium. Hamburg, Hoffman und Campe, 1964. Facsimile reprint w. text book and 17 plates (16 col., 1 b/w). Orig. dec. cl. portfolio (foxed). Folio. Added: B. Aafjes' Maria Sibylla Merian, 1947.

Merian (1647-1717) was an extraordinary German naturalist and illustrator. She was the first European woman to undertake an independent scientific expedition to South America. She published Metamorphosis herself in 1705 after her trip to Suriname, during which she discovered and classified a range of previously unknown species. Her illustrations depict multiple stages in the life cycle of the same insect as well as the insects' interactions with plants. (total 2)