GUALTIERI, Nicola (1688-1744) - Index Testarum Conchyliorum. Florence: ex typographia Caietani Albizzini, 1742.   Wide uncut copy of the first edition of this important book of shells. Niccolò Gualtieri was a professor at the University of Pisa and a doctor to Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The Duke was an avid collector and had a magnificent shell cabinet with 360 species sent by Rumphius, and many of the duplicates were given to Gualtieri. This impressive work shows Gualtieri's collection and is one of the most curious and beautiful books on shells ever published. Many of the shells are depicted standing on the apexes and both the engraving and typography are outstanding. Even the cartoons are of excellent quality and show marine and coral scenes. Gualtieri's collection still exists and is located in the Natural History Museum of Pisa.   Folio (466 x 323mm). Half-title, engraved addition title, title printed in red and black with an engraved vignette, engraved portrait by Maria Maddalena Gozzi after Pietro Antonio Pazzi, other fine large engravings at the beginning of each part, initials and headpieces engraved, 110 plates by Giuseppe Menabuoni mainly after Pietro Antonio Pazzi and some after Papini (occasional spotting and light soiling). Modern half morocco, dark spine and light on corners, uncut.

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