Die Infusionsthierchen als Vollkommene Organismen. Ein Blick in Das Tiefere Organische Leben der Natur Leipzig: Verlag Von Leopold Voss, 1838.
First edition
Two volumes, text and atlas. Folio. (460 x 325 cm.) xviii, [iv], 547, [1]; [ii] pp., atlas with engraved title and 64 hand-colored engraved plates. Bound in full morocco, covers with triple gilt border, framed in gilt and blind, central panel diapered in blind with central gilt quatrefoil outlined in blind, spines gilt in compartments with five raised bands, turn-ins stamped in gilt with a floral pattern, marbled end-papers; all edges gilt. Some very light stains to binding; very faint scattered foxing. Overall, a very good to near fine copy.
First edition of this groundbreaking work, the definitive study of "infusiora," microscopial single celled organisms including algae, protozoa, and bacteria, which contains the first description of bacillus subtilis. A wonderfully illustrated work, the organisms rendered in beautiful detail in this large format - Ehrenberg drew the plates himself.
"In this monumental work Ehrenberg extended Muller's bacteriological classification. Like Muller, he made no distinction between protozoa and bacteria, classing them both as infusoria. His classification included Vibrio, Spirillum, and Spirochaeta..." (G&M, 111)
Ehrenberg (1795-1876) was a German naturalist, microscopist, and zoologist who was an important pioneer in the field of micro-algeal research, one of the leading German authorities on invertebrates, and considered by many to be the father of micropaleontology. A professor of medicine at the University of Berlin, he was additionally a member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London. he completed much of his research while traveling abroad on scientific expeditions through the Middle East, Egypt, Northern Africa, Russia and China, most notably with his friend, the famous explorer Alexander von Humboldt.
Garrison & Morton, 111, 2469; Nissen ZBI 1244
ID:
9493
$
3,000