Agassiz, Jean Louis Rodolphe.

first edition, 2 volumes, comprising text, 8vo (224 x 141mm.), and atlas, folio (455 x 300mm.), text: half-title, errata leaf at end, atlas: lithographed wrapper title with vignette on yellow paper, 19 lithographed plates (18 partly tinted) on 18 sheets by Nicolet after Bettannier, the first 14 with accompanying outline key plate on tissue paper mounted to face, uniformly bound in modern green buckram-backed marbled boards, flat spines lettered in gilt, text and atlas with some light spotting, key plates slightly cockled, plate 1a with two short neat repaired tears

Horblit 1; PMM 309; Dibner, Heralds of Science 98; Norman 17

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."

the classic work in the study of glacial phenomena, for the first time proving that glaciers move. The text volume includes a descriptive list of the plates.

"Agassiz (1807-1873), a Swiss naturalist, was appointed professor of zoology at Harvard University where he founded the Museum of Comparative Zoology and became one of the greatest teachers of biology and natural sciences of the nineteenth century. After studies in Switzerland, northern England, Scotland and Ireland he stated his conviction that the earth had once suffered a great fall in temperature resulting in the formation of an enormous ice-sheet covering the greater part of Europe as far south as the Mediterranean and the Atlas mountains, North Asia and North America. He named this geological period the Ice Age, following a suggestion of German colleague Schimper... Thus Agassiz's observations were the beginning of modern glacial geology." (PMM)