Georges Cuvier - Leçons d'anatomie comparée - 1805

Georges Cuvier. Lessons in Comparative Anatomy. Paris, Crochard, Fantin, An XIV [1805], xxxi-521 pp., v-368 pp. and 52 plates

2 volumes in 8vo (210x130 mm) half calf, smooth gilt spine, leather title and volume numbers in red, marbled edges (bindings of the period). Beautiful condition of the bindings. Interior fresh, rare foxing. Ex-libris of Philippe Taquet, French palaeontologist, pasted on the pastedown.

New edition; volumes I and V only (of five)

In his Lessons in Comparative Anatomy, Georges Cuvier compares the anatomical organization of humans and the various animal classes in order to understand the functions of the organs and the relationships between the different body structures.

Volume I presents the general principles of comparative anatomy, then studies the organs of movement in humans and the different animal classes. Cuvier examines the structure and functions of muscles, bones, joints and tendons, before describing the skeleton and the muscles of the trunk, and the fore and hind limbs.

The volume is well complete with the 7 folding plates.

Volume V is devoted to the organs of generation and to the glands and secretory and excretory organs. Cuvier describes the male and female reproductive organs, the structures involved in mating, and the differences observed between humans, mammals and the other animal groups.

The volume is well complete with the 52 engravings.