Giovanni Battista Brocchi, 1817

BROCCHI, Giovanni Battista (1772-1826). Catalogo ragionato di una raccolta di rocce disposto con ordine geografico per servire alla geognosia dell’Italia. Milan: Imperiale Regia Stamperia, 1817.

Rare first edition of Brocchi’s catalogue of over 1000 rock specimens collected throughout Italy. Giovanni Battista Brocchi was appointed inspector of mines for Milan in 1808, and travelled extensively throughout Italy studying rock formations and collecting specimens, which are recorded in this work. The catalogue is arranged by region, and includes extensive collections from the volcanic formations of southern Italy. Most of the original collection of specimens amassed for study survives to this day in the Museo Civico in Bassano, Brocchi’s birthplace. Roller & Goodman I, 169.

Octavo (205 x 125mm). (A few minor stains.) Contemporary vellum, gilt stamped spine with morocco label, yellow edges except the top. Provenance: 15 lines of neat contemporary manuscript in Italian on an inserted sheet of paper, describing the composition of certain minerals – Unidentified collector’s monogram with “LO” on title.