Botany, 1795. "Manuel de botanique à l'usage des amateurs et des voyageurs".

Stunning botany book more than two hundred years old, complete and in good condition. This is a French botany manual entitledManuel de botanique à l'usage des amateurs et des voyageurs ; contenant les principes de Botanique, l'Explication du Système de Linné, un catalogue des différens Végétaux étrangers , les moyens de transporter les Arbres & les Semences , la manière de former un Herbier, &c.On the first page we can see the title, the authors name (François LEBRETON) and the Parisian printers address together with a fine engraving . We can also read the date: LAN IV DE LA REPUBLIQUE (Year 4 of the Republique).The content of this manual is fascinating, with French botany explanations for amateurs and travelers, as stated in the title. It contains a total of eight fold-outs with engravings depicting vegetal species with their leaves, flowers, fruits, roots and different parts. The motives show a surprising precision and attention to detail; they are printed in black and white and provide good information for the reader. Together with the seven fold-outs showing vegetal species, there is another one printed with different models of seedbeds and small greenhouses to collect and reproduce plants. The manuals binding is original from the era. It is made of cardboard, with marble-paper covers and leather spine. The paper shows different ochre and brown tones that create a discreet and classy print. The spine is made of reddish brown leather with decorative hot stamps. The raised bands and the books title, MANUEL BOTANIQUÉ, are gold-plated and remain in very good condition. This manual is a high-quality piece, perfect for every lover of antique books and botany-related engravings. Measurements: Width: 4.9 in / 12.5 cm. Height: 9.4 in / 20 cm.