Russell, Alexander (1714-1768).

4to (295 x 224mm.), viii, 266, [10]pp., illustration: 16 folding engraved plates, binding: contemporary blond calf gilt, narrow floral roll-border on sides, spine gilt in compartments, joints of red morocco

Nissen ZBI 3534; Garrison-Morton 5290

first edition. Alexander Russell, from Edinburgh, was a naturalist and physician who in 1740 went to Aleppo as physician to the English factory there. In 1755 he returned to London and a year later published his work, which was reviewed by Samuel Johnson in the Literary Magazine. A second edition was published in 1794 by his half-brother Patrick, who had travelled to Aleppo to be with his brother in 1750.