[2], (xi)-695 pp. 16 page publisher's catalogue at rear. Woodcuts in text. (8vo) original blindstamped black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First American Edition.

De la Beche was an English geologist and palaeontologist who helped to pioneer early geological survey methods. At the age of twenty-one he joined the Geological Society of London. He became an avid fossil collector and illustrator, collaborating with William Conybeare on an important paper on ichthyosaur and plesiosaur anatomy that was presented before the Society in 1821. He continued throughout life to be one of its most active, useful and honored members, serving as President of the Society in 1848 and 1849.