PISO, DE INDIAE UTRIUSQUE RE NATURALIS ET MEDICA, LIBRI QUATTUORDECIM, 1658

PRESENTATION COPY (see provenance), second edition, folio (352 x 220mm). engraved title, approximately 600 woodcut text illustrations, 4 section-titles, woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, contemporary Dutch speckled calf gilt, occasional spotting, small repair to final leaf (not affecting text), spine ends repaired

Inscribed by the author on engraved title to the Dutch surgeon Johannes van Horne (1621-1670); Boswell, Leiden, 1733, signature; Lord Sandys, armorial bookplate (probably Samuel Sandys, 1st Baron Sandys, 1695-1770)

Borba de Moraes 676; Nissen IVB 589; Nissen BBI 1553; Palau 227441

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Extensively revised and enlarged from Historia naturalis Brasiliae, printed in 1648. An encyclopedic survey of the natural history of South America and a pioneering work on tropical medicine, De Indiae ... re naturalis et medica comprises Piso's "Historiae naturalis & medicae Indiae Occidentalis" and "Mantissa aromatica"; Marcgraf's "Tractatus topographicus & meteorologicus Brasiliae"; and Jacob Bonitus's "Historiae naturalis & medicae Indiae Occidentalis." The fine woodcuts depict birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, insects, plants, and trees. Piso was a Dutch physician, who travelled to Brazil in the early 1600s. He functioned as the physician to the Governor of Dutch Brazil, while also being the head of a scientific mission sent there by the West India Company.