Specimen historiae plantarum.

Hadrianus Beys, Paris, 1611

Sole edition of this first French botanical-scientific publication.

Description: 2 works in 1 vol., contemporary vellum, spine lettered in manuscripts. Octavo: 24 × 17 cm; pp. [4ll.], 152, [2]; 47. With 25 full-page engravings. Text in Latin and Greek.

Bound with: Th.[ou], J.[acques] A.[uguste] [de]: Crambe. Viola. Lilium. Phlogis. Terpsinoe. Parisiis. [Robert III Estienne.] M.D.CXI. The poems of Jacques Auguste de Thou (1553–1617) were often bound together with Reneaulme’s ‘Specimen’, which seems obvious for thematic reasons and because of the preface (Paulvs Renealmvs lectori). However, they are two independent publications.

Provenance: Several unidentified stamps on title page.

Ref.: Blunt 1950, 92; BnF: cb36124905z; Nissen: 150

Condition: Binding restored, somewhat soiled and rubbed, one chip to foot of spine. 2 small losses to front pastedown, front flyleaf removed. Text block of ‘Specimen’ with some old paper repairs to tears in margins, both works somewhat age-toned (the poems more so).

Notes: Paul de Reneaulme’s (1560–1624) Specimen historiae plantarum is a pioneering botanical work notable for its innovative approach and detailed execution. This work stands out in the early history of plant science. Wilfrid Blunt commented in his book The Art of Botanical Illustration: “A fine work (…) Reneaulme was ahead of his time; but his work, which was intended to be provocative, created no stir. The book, admittedly, is not calculated to attract a casual observer. Its etchings, however, are of the highest quality – exquisitely sensitive and extremely personal in treatment.”