Munito, or the Learned Dog | Perhaps the most famous educated canine in history

Munito, or the Learned Dog

A group of three items. [London: various places, 1817]

Lot includes: Historical Account of the Life and Talents of the Learned Dog Munito by a Friend to Beasts. London: T. Maiden, 1817. 12mo (165 x 100 mm). 8pp.; minor browning, a few stray spots. Rebound, tan paper covered boards, lacking original wrappers. — 2 broadsides (203 x 166 mm). Engraved vignette of Minuto at top, one handcolored, numerous fonts; minor spotting and browning, uncolored broadside with old fold and long closed tear repaired. Handcolored broadside mounted, framed, and glazed; not examined out of frame.

Group lots not subject to return. 

"In an era rich in examples of animal scholarship, Munito was a star. Some called him the 'Isaac Newton of his race'. A highly manicured poodle, he appeared at Laxton's Rooms, New Bond Street, London, in 1817. To commence his act, he was introduced to a circle of pasteboards on which were printed various numbers. With his teeth Munito picked up the correct cards to solve problems in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division" (Exemplars, p. 257). 

REFERENCE:

Exemplars, pp. 256-257