Pomponius Mela, Julius Solinus, and others

8vo (164 x 100mm.), woodcut Aldine device on title-page and final verso (otherwise blank), both coloured in red ink, with blank leaves q8 and G3, numerous manuscript annotations in different hands, old limp vellum with yapp edges, paper spine label (slightly chipped), stain at upper corner of first few quires, small wormhole in lower margin in middle of volume, lacking two pairs of ties, binding slightly stained and cockled

Pontius Bardion, early inscriptions on title-page; Bibliothèque du clergé du Toulouse (seminary), bookplate, donated by Benoît d'Heliot (1695-1779)

Cataldi Palau 41; Censimento 16 CNCE 46864; Renouard 83/6; Texas 154; UCLA 171; Western Travellers in China 2

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Both the first-century geographer Pomponius Mela and the third-century Solinus refer to the silk-makers living beyond the deserts and mountains past the Caspian Sea. Solinus has a chapter entitled "De Seribus et serico vellere" (Chapter LI), which perpetuates the misunderstanding that the silk was combed down from the trees.

The list of British places visited by the Emperor Antoninus has been annotated with modern versions of the names, which are more or less accurate.