Historiae sive Synopsis Methodicae Conchyliorum et Tabularum Anatomicarum. Editio Altera

Description:

Second complete edition, edited by William Huddesford. A seminal work in the field of conchology and a masterpiece of scientific illustration. The book represents the culmination of Lister’s lifetime of work as a physician, naturalist, and conchologist. Martin Lister (1639-1712) was a physician to Queen Anne, and generally considered as the founder of conchology in England. The complete first edition of this work was issued between 1685 and 1692. This edition had 490 pages, with 1062 engraved copper plates, showing 2000 figures of molluscs. The illustrations were the work of his daughters Anna and Susanna. Lister encouraged their drawing abilities, and they would have used the shells in his collection, or those sent by friends such as Sir Hans Sloane, from which to make their drawings. They were also assisted with the etching or engraving of the plates. Their artistic contributions were groundbreaking, as they were among the first women to contribute significantly to scientific illustration.

Lister’s collaboration with his daughters not only highlights the familial aspect of scientific inquiry during the period but is also an important example of female involvement in science during the late 17th century. The book was initially published in four parts. In 1712 Lister bequeathed the original copper plates to the Ashmolean Museum, and in 1770, the curator of the Museum, William Huddesford, published this edition of the book. He reprinted the illustrations from the original plates and included additional notes from Lister’s manuscript.

The rarity of this edition, combined with its historical significance and the exquisite quality of its illustrations, makes it a highly desirable item for book collectors. Its connection to the early development of conchology and the involvement of Lister’s daughters in the production of the engravings adds an additional layer of cultural and scholarly value.

Nissen ZBI, 2529; Keynes, Dr Martin Lister, 49. The details given by Nissen and Keynes differ slightly from this copy, although the number of plates corresponds with Keynes at 439. This copy: engravings numbered 1-1059 plus 19 additional plates without an engraving number (three of the 22 anatomical plates at the end bear engraving no's missing from the main sequence: 195, 196, 222); the following no's omitted from the sequence of engravings (although there is no corresponding break in the sequence of sectional figure no's): 89, 164, 923 & 961, and with 10 repeated or additional no's: 101a, 101b, 168a, 512+, 822b, 846b, 883, 931, 965b, 990b. The present copy has been collated against the copy held by the Smithsonian, and all figures correspond, although there is some minor variation in the positioning of individual engravings both on and between plates.

Condition

2 parts in one, folio (376x240mm), sympathetically rebound in 20th century brown half morocco, raised bands to spine, gt title. Some offsetting, occasional spotting or browning, 2 plates lightly shaved, one fore-margin with two short tears (not affecting engravings). Ink stamp of 'Royal Institution of Great Britain' to endpaper.