The Fossils of the South Downs; or, illustrations of the Geology of Sussex

Description:

First edition. Plates engraved by Mrs. Mantell from drawings by the author. Gideon Algernon Mantell (1790-1852) was an English physician and geologist. This is Mantell's first work, and contains his early research into the fossil remains of the South Downs in southern England. Arranged by rock type and strata, Mantell provides descriptions of fossil plants, fish, molluscs and the teeth of what appeared to be a gigantic reptile, 'an animal of the lizard tribe, of enormous magnitude'. This volume was the first published work to describe a collection of dinosaur remains. Mantell's subsequent work on these remains was the origin of the scientific study of dinosaurs.

Condition

4to, cont. half morrocco, raised bands and gilt rules to spine, rubbed and scuffed with some wear to edges of boards. Bound without half-title. title page browned. Foxing to some plates, mostly marginal, an old inoffensive water stain to bottom edge of last 11 plates. Some minor worming to several plates, mostly marginal and never affecting the printed images, neat old paper repairs to three plates. Small ink spot to edge of map and facing page.

Provenance: Bookplate of George Titus Barham (1836-1913). Barham was founder of the Express County Milk Company (later Express Dairies), and had an estate in Wadhurst, Sussex. Also with one small ink stamp of the Rothamstead Experimental Station to endpaper.