50%-off Cornu-Ammonis of America. Lituus & Nautilus. Ehret c1756.

$45.00

Nereis shipworm and Cochlea, marine life antique print… "Univalves whose cavities are disposed in spiral form nearly within the same plane, the greatest part of the smaller windings being frequently covered by outward larger windings of the shell. Note, The cavity or hollow of these shells is often simple; but sometimes we find them divided into distinct compartments with transverse partitions."

Original rare copperplate engraving by English engraver F. Patton after the drawing by Georg Dionysius Ehret (born Heidelberg 1708 – died London 1770), for The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica by Irish physician and botanist, Patrick Browne (1720-1790). Published in London circa 1756. Browne was born in Woodstock, County Mayo, but was sent to relatives on the island of Antigua in 1737. Owing to ill health he returned to Britain after 2 years. He studied medicine and natural history (in particular botany), and worked as a physician at St Thomas's Hospital in London. He returned to the West Indies, and visited Barbados, Montserrat, Antiqua and St Kitts, before settling in Jamaica and working there as a physician from 1746. Browne corresponded with the great botanist Carl Linnaeus, who he sent many papers he had written. Browne's major work was The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica, illustrated by G.D. Ehret. Browne returned to Ireland and retired to Rushbrook near Claremorris, County Mayo, in 1771.

Rare engraving. Damaged, with tiny extremity tears at right, a small soiling spot outside platemard at top right, and a large soiling patch in middle of margin below image. (They will not show when framed.) If you would like further images please email. Page measures approximately 34.4 x 32cm (13.5 x 8.75 inches). To the intaglio impression measures 20 x 15 cm (7.7/8 x 5.7/8 inches).