Botany. BONNET. Recherches sur l'usage des feuilles dans les plantes.

BONNET, Charles. Recherches sur l'usage des feuilles dans les plantes et sur quelques autres sujets relatifs à l'histoire de la végétation. Gottingue [Göttingen] and Leide[n], Elie Luzac, 1754

First edition of this early work by the great Genevan naturalist, in which the author’s observations on plant nutrition, growth, the function of leaves and their behaviour in relation to light, humidity and so on were compiled. In the course of his research, carried out largely through microscopic analysis, Bonnet suffered irreparable damage to his eyesight. "Il s’occupa de rechercher comment les plantes se nourrissent.  Il fit des expériences sur l’usage des feuilles, des quelles il resulta des faits extrêmement curieux et entièrement neufs".

DSB 2, p. 286; Nissen BBI, 201; Pritzel, n. 981; Cuvier, IV/246.

4to, 266 x 204 mm. Contemporary sewing binding. Pp. VIII, 343. engraved title vignette and 31 folded engraved plates by Van der Schley and Wandelaar. Spine with six raised bands. Rich gilt compartments and brown morocco label with gilt title. Boards with gilt borders, front board with gilt armorial vignette. Later blank endpapers. All edges red. Without the usual browning or foxing and a copy with large margins. Board edges rubbed, rebacked with the old spine laid down and the endpapers replaced, small former owner's inscription on the titlepage. Otherwise a very good, clean copy.