ZOOLOGY - Ornithology - Lesson, René Primevère. Histoire naturelle des oiseaux-mouches. With 86 coloured engraved copper plates. Paris, Arthus Bertrand, [1829-1830]. Gr.-8°. XLVI p., [1] w. Bl., 220 pp, [1] tr. half morocco circa 1890 in Art Nouveau style (signed V. Champs) with floral gilt to spine (corners and edges minimally rubbed). Nissen IVB 547 - Anker 291. - First edition. - The plates engraved by Coutant after Prêtre, Bessa, Bévalet and others, numbered 1-85 and 48bis. - Lesson's first work on hummingbirds, originally published in 17 installments. The French physician and naturalist (1794-1849) served as a ship's surgeon during the Napoleonic Wars before participating in two research voyages of several years to the South Seas and New Guinea in the 1820s. - The text somewhat foxed in places, otherwise a fine copy.

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