CUVIER, Georges L. C., Baron (1769 - 1832) - Le Regne Animal distribuè daprès son organisation. Paris: Fortin, Masson, [n.d., c. 1836-49].   An edition complete of all the volumes of Cuvier's extensive work, enriched by more than 1000 plates, many skilfully coloured by hand. To each volume of text corresponds an atlas volume, in which species are scientifically classified and illustrated in detail, also anatomically. Cuvier was professor of natural history at the Collège de France and approached natural history studies through a structural method, which was decisive for the emergence of comparative anatomy in those years. In particular, his classification system is based on the substantial unity of animal organisms and therefore the strong balance and correlation of their parts.   20 volumes, 8vo (266 x 180mm). Engraved frontispieces, 1002 plates, many of them handcoloured (some spotting, traces of removed bookplate at the endpaper in half of the volumes). Half red calf with gilt decorations on marbled boards, silk endpapers (defects and scuffing).   For each animal kingdom there is a volume of text and one of plates, comprising: 130 plates for mammals, 101 for birds, 46 for reptiles, 122 for fishes, 152 for clams, 84 for the first volume of insects, 119 for the second, 31 for arachnids and 30 for annelids (the two kingdoms are bound in the same volumes), 87 for crustaceans, 100 for zoophytes (lacking plate 39). (20)

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