[Mycologie] Pierre Bulliard - Histoire des Champignons de la France ou Traité élémentaire, renfermant ... - 1791

Original edition of the first volume on mushrooms from the 'Herbier de la France' (second division) by Pierre Bulliard (1752-1793), a true inventory of the 'indigenous plants of this kingdom; with their properties and uses in medicine.'

Published over 13 years through 150 deliveries from 1780 to 1793, this Herbarium of France is divided into five parts: 'Plants of France,' 'Poisonous Plants of France,' 'Suspect Plants of France,' 'Medicinal Plants of France,' and 'Mushrooms of France' (totaling 602 plates).

This volume is quite complete with the 8 mushroom plates, drawn and engraved by Bulliard himself, of which 5 are colored 'by means of printing,' that is, using the doll system, a technique developed by the Dutch Johannes Teyler, who was also employed by the 'Raphael of flowers,' Pierre-Joseph Redouté.

... it will contain a very detailed account of the characteristics that distinguish the species, the analytical comparison of these same species, provided they have any relation or resemblance to others, and the citation of authors who have provided illustrations; it also includes a large number of microscopic observations on the reproductive organs of these plants, compared to those of staminate plants, and a precise indication of the uses made so far of Mushrooms, as medicine, as food, etc. (title).

Volume as published: hardcover binding from the period covered with blue marbled paper. Title vignette printed and glued on the upper cover.

Condition: scuffs and missing paper on the back, worn cuts and corners (solid volume). Interior fresh. Beautiful copy, untrimmed.

[Mycology] Pierre Bulliard
History of Mushrooms of France or Elementary Treatise, containing in a methodical order the descriptions and illustrations of the Mushrooms that naturally grow in France.
Paris, the author, Barrois..., 1791
In-4 (36 x 24 cm); XVI-368 pages. 6 figures (table).