Beautiful hand-colored woodcuts, heightened with egg-white, of 2 Crabs from Gesner's "Fischbuch", 1600. Early German edition of the famous encyclopedia. Frankfurt, Saur, 1600. Dimensions: 34,5 x 22 cm Conrad Gesner is considered the father of modern scientific bibliography, zoology and botany. He was a Renaissance polymath, physician, philosopher, bibliographer, philologist, natural historian, and illustrator who spent most of his time collecting, researching, and writing. He compiled monumental works on bibliography (Bibliotheca universalis 1545–1549) and zoology (Historia Animalium 1551–1558). These woodcuts were published in so called " Fischbuch" dedicated to fish and crustaceans. Good condition, a few small spots. Attention for US buyers: Due to recent export problems higher shipping costs to the US apply!