[Linnaeus. Finely handcoloured copy] Natuurlyke historie of uitvoerige beschryving

der dieren, planten en mineraalen, volgens het samenstel van den heer Linnaeus. Met naauwkeurige afbeeldingen. Amsterdam, F. Houttuyn/ B.J. van der Burgh en zoon, 1761-1785, 3 sections in 37 vols. + Kort begrip van het Zamenstel der natuur (...) (Amsterdam, 1783, 1 vol.), altogether ± 21500 p., complete with 296 plates (nearly all folding, several large folding) with numerous illustrations, all in copper engraving by J.C. and G. Philips and handcoloured (Zoologie in 18 vols. with 143 plates, Botanie in 14 vols. with 105 plates and Mineralogie in 5 vols. with 48 plates), contemporary uniform gilt halfcalf with morocco letterpieces.

Nissen, ZBI 2011. Endpapers renewed; the 2nd vol. of the first section and the 14th vol. of the second section partly waterstained; these vols. and several others with split joints; several vols. sl. tanned; some letterpieces (partly) lacking (1x renewed) and several spine ends sl. dam. In all a good set, rare in this complete and handcoloured condition. The famous, very extensive Houttuyn edition, partly based on Systema Naturae by Carolus Linnaeus but with copious use of similar works, a classification of all animal life, plant life and fossils and minerals known at the time. (total 38)