Buffon - Los tres reinos de la naturaleza. Museo pintoresco de historia natural. Tomo I - 1852

This rare 1852 edition of Los Tres Reinos de la Naturaleza is an outstanding example of mid-19th-century Spanish scientific illustration. Based on the work of Buffon and other eminent naturalists, this first volume—devoted entirely to Mammals—reflects the scientific knowledge, terminology, and perspectives of its time.

The text explores a wide range of mammalian groups, including humans as classified in historical “racial” groupings, primates, carnivores, bats, rodents, and marsupials. These sections provide valuable insight into how naturalists of the 1800s understood and organized the diversity of the animal kingdom.

One of the most remarkable features of this volume is its complete set of 69 hand-colored engraved plates, each of them beautifully executed. The engravings preserve their original, vivid colors, showcasing the skill of Spanish illustrators and offering a visually striking record of natural history art from the period.

The book is in very good condition, showing only slight wear to the upper part of the spine. The pages remain clean, the hand-colored plates are well preserved, and the binding is firm.

This volume stands as both a significant contribution to the history of natural science and a superb example of the richness and refinement of 19th-century Spanish scientific illustration.