MILNE-EDWARDS (Alphonse). Recherches anatomiques et paléontologiques pour servir à l'histoire des oiseaux fossiles de la France. Paris: Victor Masson et fils, 1867-1868 [Tome I and 1st atlas volume]; Paris: Librairie de G. Masson, 1869-1871 [Tome 2 and 2nd atlas volume]. - 2 text volumes, 308 x 238, and 2 atlases in-4, 309 x 260 : (2 ff.), 474 pp., (1 f.) ; (2 ff.), 632 pp. ; Atlas : (98 ff.), 96 plates ; (106 ff.), 104 plates. Brown half-chagrin, spine ribbed, spotted edges (period binding). First edition of this seminal work by physician and zoologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards (1835-1900). His research led to the reconstruction of almost 150 unknown species from over 20,000 fossils, revealing a rich and diverse Tertiary fauna, particularly in the Allier region. The species identified - flamingos, parrots, gangas and salanganes - suggest a warmer climate than today's, while aquatic birds (ducks, cormorants) dominated lake ecosystems. His work has also brought to light species that have disappeared or been relegated to colder regions, through the study of French caves. Milne-Edwards recorded his findings in this work, which marks a real breakthrough in our understanding of avian evolution. It comprises two volumes of text and two atlases with 200 lithographed plates by Louveau, including 6 double-page plates and one fold-out, all in two-tone except for 6 in color. Rubbing and heavy spotting to spines, three damaged headpieces. Scattered foxing.