SIVERS, Heinrik Jacob (1707-1758). Curiosa Niendorpiensia, sive variarum rerum naturalium litoris Niendorpiensis descriptio et historia brevissima. Lübeck: Johann Schmidt and Peter Boeckmann, 1732-1734.

First edition of a very rare series of descriptions of fossils discovered on the Baltic and North Sea coasts around Niendorf. The author, Heinrik Sivers, made a tour of Scandinavia to collect objects for his own museum; in 1737 he sold many of his minerals as well as a cabinet of Roman coins to Count Charles Gyllenborg, which eventually was bequeathed to the academy of Lund. Over 45 specimens are illustrated and described here, with detailed bibliographic references. The first specimen in the first fascicle is the infamous "musical stone," a rock with markings that he erroneously interpreted as musical notations. It is rare at auction, with no copies recorded by RBH. An underappreciated work. VD18 11709901.

Six fascicles in one, octavo (166 x 103mm). Letterpress general title and dedication, with fascicle with its own part title. Portrait frontispiece and 6 engraved plates (occasional toning). Contemporary half sheep and speckled boards (spine chipped).