Description

Milano, Carlo Turati, 1857. 8vo (17.2 x 11.0 cm). xx, 461 pp., four folded maps or profiles (one over 90 cm long, and hand-coloured). 19th century quarter calf over marbled boards. Spine with four raised bands and gilt title. An important contribution to the stratigraphy and palaeontology of Lombardy (northern Italy). It precedes Stoppani's long series, Paléontologie Lombarde (1858-1881; cf. Nissen). The work consists of three parts and an appendix. Part one is a general, introductory part. Part two describes the geology, and part three deals with the different facies in detail, often with lists of characteristic fossils. The appendix contains descriptions of new species (and genera), mainly of Mollusca (including genera like Chemnitzia, Eulima, Natica, Cerithium, Pleurotomaria, Arca, Cardium, Pecten, etc. etc.) but also Echinodermata and some other groups. The paper by Bellotti mentioned in the title is a rather small contribution, placed in the rear. However, it contains the detailed description of quite a number of new fish. On the front flyleaf the stamp of the Italian geologist Filippo Fanzago (1817-1887), half-title a bit spotted, otherwise clean. A very good, complete copy. Uncommon. Cat. BM(NH) p. 2,029; Nissen ZBI, 4004. Neither in Caprotti nor in Dean.