Two volumes. Folio
1738 · Leiden
by SWAMMERDAM, Jan (1637-1680)
Leiden: Isaak Severinus, Boudewyn and Pieter van der Aa, 1738. Two volumes. Folio. (14 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches). [50], [1]-85 [2] 86-362; [16], [367] 368-910, 124 pp. Text in Dutch and Latin in parallel columns. Titles printed in red and black, engraved title vignettes and 53 folding engraved plates by Johannes van der Spyk. Contemporary vellum
A pioneering work in entomology and microscopy, Bybel der Natuure features groundbreaking research on insect anatomy and development, accompanied by detailed engravings that shaped the study of natural history.
Jan Swammerdam was a pioneering Dutch naturalist and microscopist, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of insects and human anatomy. His most famous work, Bybel der Natuure (The Book of Nature), published posthumously in 1737-1738 by physician Boerhaave, represents a culmination of his life's research and observations. The present work contains detailed descriptions and intricate illustrations of the natural world, especially focusing on insects, which Swammerdam studied with unprecedented precision using early microscopes. Swammerdam is considered one of the founding figures in the field of entomology. He was among the first to reject the long-standing theory of spontaneous generation, the idea that life could arise from non-living matter, and instead demonstrated that insects, like all animals, develop through distinct life stages. His meticulous dissections revealed the internal anatomy of various creatures, including the discovery that the queen bee had ovaries, correcting earlier misconceptions about insect reproduction. This work is notable for its extraordinarily detailed copperplate engravings, which depicted the internal structures of insects and small animals, making it an important reference for both scientific and artistic communities. His illustrations of the developmental stages of insects, including caterpillars, larvae, and pupae, were revolutionary for their time. Swammerdam's devotion to both science and religion is also evident in his work. He saw nature as a reflection of God's creation, believing that studying the smallest creatures would reveal divine truths. Bybel der Natuure reflects this blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual reflection, offering readers both empirical knowledge and philosophical insight into the natural world.
Dibner, Heralds of Science 191; Nissen ZBI 4055; Norman 2037; Hagen I, 289; Graesse VI, p. 512; Brunet V, p. 575; Horn-Schenkling 21797. (Inventory #: 41892)
A pioneering work in entomology and microscopy, Bybel der Natuure features groundbreaking research on insect anatomy and development, accompanied by detailed engravings that shaped the study of natural history.
Jan Swammerdam was a pioneering Dutch naturalist and microscopist, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of insects and human anatomy. His most famous work, Bybel der Natuure (The Book of Nature), published posthumously in 1737-1738 by physician Boerhaave, represents a culmination of his life's research and observations. The present work contains detailed descriptions and intricate illustrations of the natural world, especially focusing on insects, which Swammerdam studied with unprecedented precision using early microscopes. Swammerdam is considered one of the founding figures in the field of entomology. He was among the first to reject the long-standing theory of spontaneous generation, the idea that life could arise from non-living matter, and instead demonstrated that insects, like all animals, develop through distinct life stages. His meticulous dissections revealed the internal anatomy of various creatures, including the discovery that the queen bee had ovaries, correcting earlier misconceptions about insect reproduction. This work is notable for its extraordinarily detailed copperplate engravings, which depicted the internal structures of insects and small animals, making it an important reference for both scientific and artistic communities. His illustrations of the developmental stages of insects, including caterpillars, larvae, and pupae, were revolutionary for their time. Swammerdam's devotion to both science and religion is also evident in his work. He saw nature as a reflection of God's creation, believing that studying the smallest creatures would reveal divine truths. Bybel der Natuure reflects this blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual reflection, offering readers both empirical knowledge and philosophical insight into the natural world.
Dibner, Heralds of Science 191; Nissen ZBI 4055; Norman 2037; Hagen I, 289; Graesse VI, p. 512; Brunet V, p. 575; Horn-Schenkling 21797. (Inventory #: 41892)
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