1812, United Kingdom, London - Robert Thornton John, "Elements Of Botany, Part I : Classification," Author's Edition.

Richly illustrated item -" Elements Of Botany" by "Robert John Thornton published in London in 1812. The orderly content of the book as well as the numerous and very careful illustrations of plants reflect the aspirations of 19th century biologists to classify and systematize living organisms. Browsing through this item, one can delight not only in the detailed graphics as well as feel the spirit of academic faith progress as well as the mood of the Natural History Museum in 19th century London.
Robert John Thornton (1768-1837) - English physicist and botanical author, best known for his series "A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus Von Linnæus" and "The British Flora." He graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, where he received a bachelor's degree in medicine in 1793. He worked for a time as a physician at a dispensary in Marylebone, then later as a lecturer in botany. The University of St. Andrew's awarded him a doctorate in medicine on November 4, 1805, and a bachelor's degree in physics from the College of Physicians on January 6, 1812. His largest work, "Temple of Flora," originally huge at 56 x 44 cm, contains 31 illustrations using a variety of techniques, including aquatint, mezzotint, scoring and line engraving; they are still highly regarded and eagerly reproduced today. The work simultaneously contributed to the financial ruin of Thornton, who eventually died in poverty.
Hardcover, half leather with gilt and decorations on the spine.
Thick cardboard facings detached from the spine, the book block remains intact.
Dimensions: 24 cm x 15 cm