Caspar Commelin - Praeludia botanica. Rare Rirst Edition. Leiden, 1703. Description Botany, especially South African. 33 engraved plates, one of them long folding plate. Notable for including the first descriptions of several species of South African plants. The first plate is signed by P. Sluyter and Stevenson. The long folding plate of the Aloe Americana Polygona Author: Caspar Commelin Title: Praeludia botanica ad publicas plantarum exoticarum demonstrationes. Publisher: Fredericum Haringh, Lugduni Batavorum (Leiden) 1703 First Edition, 4to (245 x 185mm.). Original binding: contemporary speckled calf, retaining original spine, boards bowed Pages: 85. All pages, including plates beautifully preserved. The book has 323 years old and for his age it’s in a very good condition. Title with woodcut device, dedication, sectional title. You have the chance to become an owner this rare scientific book! About author: Caspar(us) Commelijn (1667 - 1731) was born in Amsterdam but educated at Leiden, where he wrote a dissertation on earthworms. Returning to his hometown, he was appointed botanist of Hortus Medicus, now the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, of which his uncle was co-founder. There he gave these Botanical Preludes as lectures (on the dates given in the title), which he then published as this collection of exotic plants held at the gardens. Attention to the details photographs. Any defect not mentioned in the description but visible in the photos is considered as described and cannot give rise to any claim. Careful packaging with double protection box including gift wrapping. Tracked Shipping (UPS or DHL) For High Value Items - Express Shipping. NB. Buyers outside the European Union are responsible for any customs and VAT charges