FORBES (James David). Reisen in den Savoyer Alpen und in anderen Theilen der Penniner-Kette nebst Beobachtungen. Stoccarda, Schweizerbart'sche Werlagshandung, 1845. In-8°, bound in half-cornered chagrin, spine with 4 bands, title gilt on spine (rubbing) (Binding of the period). First German edition, illustrated with 7 off-text lithographed plates, one of which is in colour, and two fold-out maps. A fundamental work on the glaciers of the Alps. Old handwritten bookplate on title page. Complete work in fine condition. James David Forbes (Edinburgh 1809 - Clifton 1868) was the first British scientist to systematically explore the high mountains and their glaciers. After becoming a physicist, he taught at Edinburgh University before becoming head of the United College of the famous University of Saint Andrews. He can be considered to have bridged the gap between the scientists of the ice age and the conquerors of the golden age of mountaineering. His work on glaciers and the topography of the Alps is also remarkable. Alter-ego of the Swiss Agassiz, the Scotsman Forbes made a major contribution to our knowledge of glacial phenomena in Europe (the Alps and Norway). He should not be confused with Sir John Forbes (1787 - 1861), another Scottish scientist who invented the stethoscope, translated Laennec and published A physician's holiday or a month in Switzerland in the summer of 1848 in 1849 (see next lot). Perret, 1707