R. J. Thornton — Elements of Botany

London, Printed for the Author, 1812. First edition. Leather. A profusely illustrated two-volume botanical guide, compiled by physician and botanist, Robert John Thornton. The first edition. Bound without a title page, dated using Jisc, from a copy held at the British Library and a collation from the Hathi Digital Trust. Plates are also dated between 1820 and 1812.With the half title to Volume I. Misbound, with the textual portion of each volume both bound in Volume I, each with their own pagination. The remainder of Volume I and the entirety of Volume II consisting of plates. The number of plates recorded in this work is rather variable, with Nissen calling for 136 across both volumes. Others call for 154, 199 and 180. This copy is extra-illustrated, with 219 plates and 4 tables to Volume I, and a further 252 plates to Volume II. Making a total of 471 plates and four tables. An impressive botanical work compiled by English physician, botanist and patron of the Prince Regent, Robert John Thornton. Known for is extensive botanical writings, including 'The British Fauna', Thornton's works signified important contributions to the field, and are still regularly cited to this day. Alongside numerous plates and tables, this work contains a chapter on 'The Constituent Parts of Flowers', followed by 'Terms of Botany&apos. Bound in half calf with cloth boards. Externally, slightly rubbed to extremities, heavier to the joints. Cracked to front joints, with boards tenderly held. Rear hinges are strained, but holding. A little loss to spine heads. Fading and discolouration to backstrips. Ink inscription to front endpaper. Light spotting to endpapers and fore edge. Internally, firmly bound. Lacking title page. Pages are bright, with the odd spot or handling mark, and offsetting from plates. Plates are mostly clean. Good Only . Ill.: Various. Good Only .