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SCHAEFFER, Jacob Christian (1718-1790). Elementa ornithologica iconibus vivis coloribus expressis illustrata. 4° (285x220 mm). 44 ff. Title with engraved vignette by J.G. Fridrich and 70 hand-coloured engraved plates after J.J. Rotermundt by J.G. Fridrich, J.A. Eisenmann, J.S. Leitner and A. Hoffer.Contemporary French red morocco gilt, covers with triple fillet border, spine in six compartments with raised bands, lettering in the second, the others decorated with urns, gilt turn-ins, marbled pastedowns and endpapers, all edges gilt. Binding barely rubbed, one corner with tiny restoration, else an excellent copy.

Ratisbonae, Typis Weissianis, 1774.

First edition of Elementa Ornithologica by the Sachsen-Anhalt born naturalist who spent most of his working life in Regensburg. It is a detailed, beautifully illustrated ornithological study in which birds are divided into two classes: Nudipedes (those with naked legs) and Plumipedes (with feathered legs). Schaeffer, who created this classification system, also developed and named colours on charts that would imitate as closely as possible the natural hues found in plants and animals. As an inventor, Schäffer experimented with electricity and optics, manufactured lenses and paper, and invented one of the first washing machines.

A fine copy in a binding by Nicolas-Denis Derome (1731-1790), with his ticket on the front free endpaper with his address at rue Saint-Jacques, n° 63, près le Collège de Plessis, Hôtel de la Couture where he was active between 1773 and 1790.

Very rare in this condition.

References: Anker 439 (citing the second edition); Fine Bird Books (1990), p.138; Nissen IVB 822.

CHF  15 000