[4], 244 pp. [A]2, [B]4, C-2I2. Illustrated with a woodcut map of Madison's Cave on D2v, letterpress table on the Indians of Virginia (lacking two thirds), and many other tables: comparing the Quadrupeds of Europe and America, on the Birds of Virginia, rainfall, settlers, militia, other Indians, crimes, and trade. (8vo) 7¾x4¾, period full calf, red morocco lettering-piece. First American Edition.

First American edition of Thomas Jefferson's most important book. The first edition was published privately by Jefferson when he was the American minister in Paris (1785); it was followed by another French (1786) and a London (1787) edition before it was first printed in America. The advertisement to this work on [A]2r states that the Notes are "now offered to the public in their original form and language" for the first time, considering the alterations that were necessary for publication in France. This worked established Jefferson's reputation as a competent scientist. Jefferson patriotically negated the theories of certain French naturalists that animal and intellectual life in America is somehow degenerate. Howes J78; Sabin 35897.