Die elektrischen Fische nach neuen Untersuchungen anatomisch-zoologisch dargestellt. Erste Abtheilung. Malopterurus electricus [AND] Zweite Abtheilung. Die Torpedineen.

Leipzig, Veit, 1887-1890. Two parts in two. Very large 4to (37.5 x 27.3 cm; 37.7 x 27.8 cm). I (1887) vii, 90 pp.; three text engravings, 12 lithographed plates; II (1890) vi, 146 pp.; 20 lithographed plates, 30 text engravings. Contemporary near-uniform half calf over marbled boards. Spines with gilt title. = A classic monograph on electric fish, dealing with the distribution, nervous system, dermatology, histology and electric organs. The author, Gustav Theodor Fritsch (1838-1927) was a German anatomist, anthropologist, traveller and physiologist from Cottbus, best known for his work on the electric localization of the motor areas of the brain (Wikipedia). In this study, which is Fritsch's most important zoological publication, the morphological (including whole animals), anatomical, and histological illustrations are truly excellent. This work is also quite useful for the determination of the various genera and species of the Torpedinidae. The first volume is a few millimeters small er than the much later published second. Boards rubbed, top end of the spine cover of the first volume perished, small paper clipping and mediocre repair to title pages, otherwise a good se; text and plates clean. Dean, 423; Nissen, ZBI, 1445.