[NATURAL HISTORY]. MURCHISON, Roderick Impey, Sir (1792-1871). The Silurian System. London: John Murray, 1839.

2 volumes in one, large 4to. 53 plates, views, and maps, several hand-colored (lacking 3 folding sections but supplied in facsimile; lacking large folding map); numerous in-text illustrations throughout. (Spotting and marginal soiling to plates, repair to lower gutter of first title-page, and several subsequent leaves.) Modern half morocco gilt, uncut.

"PROBABLY THE GREATEST WORK EVER TO BE PUBLISHED EMBODYING THE RESULTS OF A SINGLE PIECE OF RESEARCH BY ONE MAN. This work detailed and established practically the whole succession of the stratigraphical formations and their fossil contents (and associated igneous rocks) of what we now know as the Ordovician and Silurian systems, in their type areas" (Challinor 141). Nissen ZBI 2944

Property from the Estate of Peter Fortsas