Contemplation de la nature

Second edition, after the original published in 1764.
Contemporary full calf binding. Spine with raised bands decorated with fleurons in compartments. Red morocco title label, and beige morocco volume label. Head of volume I worn. A lack to the second compartment of the second volume. Joints of volume II split at foot. Some surface abrasions to the boards.
Bonnet (1720-1793) is considered one of the fathers of modern biology (he was the first to use the term Evolution in biology), both for his experimental research and his philosophy which had a profound influence on naturalists. It was when he was struck with blindness that he turned to theory. This work takes up the first eight chapters of the "Considérations sur les corps organisés," published in 1762, where Bonnet expounds his theory on the preexistence of germs. Bonnet moreover reports numerous observations of natural history.