[BOURGUET (Louis)]. Traité des pétrifications. Paris: Briass - Lot 4

[BOURGUET (Louis)]. Traité des pétrifications. Paris: Briasson, 1742. - 2 parts in one volume in-4, 246 x 191: xvj, 163 pp. ; 91 pp. 60 plates. Havana marbled calf, ornate ribbed spine, red edges (period binding). First edition of this important work, mainly by Swiss naturalist, geologist and archaeologist Louis Bourguet (1678-1742), in collaboration with Pierre Cartier. It is illustrated with 441 copper-engraved figures on 60 folding plates. Dedicated to Réaumur, the work is divided into two distinct parts: The first part opens with a discourse on the origin of stones, followed by a series of letters and memoirs addressed to various scholars. The second part offers a systematic classification of fossils, complemented by detailed indexes: a list of the main works on fossils, a directory of major fossil sites around the world, and finally, explanations of the illustrated plates. A good copy in contemporary binding. One of its first owners took care to identify several engravings in ink, opposite the corresponding plates. Hinges cracked, headpieces missing, corners dulled, rubbed with use. Adhesive tape to last box, extending over boards. Some foxing. Provenance: Red Chinese seal partly faded on title page.