1722 - Moro, A.L.

Moro, A.L. A New Study of Changes in the Earth’s Surface, Based on the Traces of Marine Animals and Marine Plants Found on Mountains and in Dry Soil. Leipzig: Breitkopf, 1751. With 9 folded copperplate engravings. 8 leaves, 464 pp. Contemporary half-leather binding with handwritten title (worn and rubbed, partly somewhat stained). Poggendorff II, 210. First German edition. - The Italian clergyman and naturalist Antonio L. Moro (1687–1764) studied changes in the Earth’s surface and the formation of continents. He proposed the theory that volcanic activity deep within the Earth caused the seafloor to be thrust upward into the mountains, thereby explaining the presence of shell fossils in the mountains. First published in 1740 under the title “De crostacei e degli altri marini corpi che si truovano su monti.” - Some pages slightly discolored; the beginning has water stains and is mottled. Handwritten inscription: “a.T.u.V.”