The Naturalist’s Library – Jardine – 1836 | Ruminantia Vol. IV, Mammalia Part II

Naturalist’s Library Ruminantia 1836 is part of Sir William Jardine’s widely circulated natural history series. This fourth mammal volume, printed in Edinburgh by W. H. Lizars, covers deer, oxen, antelope, and similar hoofed animals. It includes dozens of full-page engravings, many finished by hand in color. These books were made to be visually appealing to readers with a general interest in animals and science.

The animals are shown in natural settings, often in motion, and matched to short chapters with taxonomic notes. Jardine’s text is readable and was intended for everyday readers, not specialists. Each volume in the series was printed as a standalone, and this one is complete as issued.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Naturalist’s Library. Mammalia. Vol. IV. Ruminantia. Part II.
• Author(s): Sir William Jardine
• Illustrator(s): William Lizars
• Publisher: Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars
• Edition: First Edition, 1836.
• Format: Size and format
• Binding: Original cloth, gilt spine
• Size:  7.25 in x 4.5 in (18 cm x 12 cm)
• Collation: xv, [1], 17-264, 7, [1], 14pp
• Illustrations: 31 color engravings, plus portrait frontispiece and engraved title page
• Contents Include:
  • Introductory Essay on Ruminants
  • Species notes on antelope, deer, oxen, buffalo
  • Index and publisher advertisements
• Reference(s): Freeman 1978

Condition:

Bound in original brown cloth with gilt spine lettering. Moderate wear to edges and corners; binding remains tight and secure. Untrimmed page edges. All plates are present and in good condition, some with minor foxing. Text is complete and clean. Paper shows expected toning for the age. Includes publisher’s ads and index at rear.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of Jardine’s Naturalist’s Library
• 31 plates of animals, all present
• Suits collectors of early science, zoology, or illustrated book

Item Number: #28732