4to, fourth edition, half-title, 7 engraved plates (2 folding and 5 full page), woodcut illustrations, pp.111-112, pp.416-417 and pp.465-472 duplicated in the pagination as issued, 16pp. index at end, contemporary calf, spine in compartments with red spine label, boards slightly rubbed with one significant scuff to lower board, slight tear to inner edge of one folding plate

Sir William Forbes (1739-1806), sixth baronet, ownership signature on title and bookplate dated 1760

The Forbes B🌳aronetcy was created in 1626 for Sir William Forbes (d. circa 1650) by James VI in the Barontage of Nova Scotia. The majority of the works offered here were acquired by the sixth Baronet, also William (1739-1806), who added Pitsligo to his title in 1781. He was an eminent Scottish banker and benefactor, good friend of James Boswell and Samuel Johnson (see lots 45-46), and finally succeeded in recovering the Pitsligo estates forfeited after the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. His son William, the seventh baronet, beat Sir Walter Scott to the hand of the renowned beauty Williꦚamina Belsches Stuart (1776-1810), and it was with their marriage that the family moved to her family seat, Fettercairn House in Kincardineshire, Aberdeenshire.

ESTC T101040; Ford 307; Gartrell 175; Howes F320; see Norman 830; see PMM 199; Sabin 25506; Wellcome III p.62

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

FIRST COLLECTED EDITION of "the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America" (PMM).