Lot 27: COMMELIN, Jan (1629-1692) and Caspar (1667-1731). Horti medici Amstelodamensis rariorum plantarum...descriptio et icones. [Volume I with Latin translation, notes and observations by F. Ruysch and F. Kiggelaar]. Amsterdam: P. & J. Blaeu, 1697-1701.

2 volumes, 2 o (400 x 253 mm). Parallel Latin and Dutch text, Latin half-titles, Latin title-pages printed in red and black followed by Dutch title-pages printed in black. Woodcut vignettes, 2 engraved titles, each within a gold-painted frame, 5 full-page engraved coats-of arms (J. Commelin and J. Huydecoper in vol. I, F. de Vroede, J. Huydecoper and G. Pancras in vol. II), 223 engraved full-page illustrations of plants after Johann and Maria Moninckx and others on 222 leaves. The plates are numbered 1-112 in each volume, with Figs. 42, 43 and 44 in vol. I on one plate, and Fig. 4, nos. 1 and 2, on recto and verso of one leaf in vol. II. Stafleu & Cowan's earlier issue of **2v in vol. I without errata. (Some mostly pale dampstaining, heavier in the second volume, occasional pale spotting, small rust hole on 4D1 catching a few letters.) Contemporary speckled calf, spines gilt, morocco lettering-pieces (few splits to joints, a bit worn). Provenance : Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Stickney Fund (bookplate dated 1879). FIRST EDITION. Jan Commelin was the director of the Amsterdam Physic Gardens. "The first volume, on the plants of the East and West Indies, was [his] most important contribution to botanical knowledge; it was brought out posthumously by his nephew Caspar. The second volume was by Caspar Commelin and contained an enlargement on some of the notes in Jan's book, with further notes on African plants. The original paintings...were mainly the work of Johan and Maria Moninckx and may be seen in the Library of the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam" (Hunt). Dunthorne 81; Great Flower Books, p. 54: Hunt 399; Nissen BBI 389; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 1187. (2).