ADANSON, Familles des plantes, 1763
ADANSON, Michel.
Familles des plantes.
Paris, Vincent, 1763.
Two 8vo (199x121 mm),(4)-cccxxv-(1 b)-189-(1) pages and 1 folding plate / (2)-24-(4)-640 pages. binding : Contemporary full calf. Gilt spine in six compartment. Binding rubbed. Waterstain on page 1 of vol. 2.
First edition of this important botanical treatise.
Michel Adanson was the first to analyze and explain the theoretical foundations of natural classification and, what is even more important, to define the practical method to be used to seek this classification.
In this work, Adanson proclaims his contempt for "systems" and proposes a natural classification based on all the characters and not on a few characters chosen arbitrarily, which puts him in conflict with Linnaeus.
references: Pritzel [21], Morton [in "History of botanical Science", pp. 310/311) : "The distinction of having first analysed and explained the theoretical foundation of natural classification, and, what was even more important, of defining the practical method to be used in seeking such classification, belongs without question ot Michel Adanson. His "Familles des plantes" (1763) was a work of historic significance, which gave clarity and coherence to the ideas of the growing number of proponents of the "Natural method". It became the main formative influence in developing natural classification in France, and in ensuring its success"].
Price : 1500 €
