ADANSON (Michel). Families of plants. Paris, Vincent, 1763. 2 volumes in-8, marbled calf, spine decorated, red edges (Binding of the period). First edition. In this important botanical treatise, Michel Adanson (1727-1806), naturalist and explorer of Senegal, proposes a new system of classification, different from those of Tournefort and Linnaeus. Criticism of his work, which was opposed by Linnaeus, who was already reigning supreme in botany, prevented it from really gaining ground, despite the immense amount of knowledge it contained. The work also has the peculiarity of being written in a most curious simplified spelling. The first volume contains a fold-out plate on greenhouse construction. From the Ruth and Walter Middelmann library, with dry stamp. Some wear to bindings. Plesch, 122 - Davy de Virville, 71.