Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, avec la description du cabitet du roy. 36 vols, 4to (n.c., occ. spotting but overall good copy). - Complete set of the first edition, composed of 15 vol. of "Histoire naturelle", 5 vol. of "Minéreaux", 9 vol. of "Oiseaux" and 7 vol. of "Supplément". Ill. with a portrait of Buffon by Drouais, engr. title-vign., headpieces and numerous full-page engr. pl. Showing quadrupeds (cat, dog, zebra, tiger, elephant, etc.), minerals and birds, presented alive, some dissected (with emphasis on the various reproductive organs) and with their skeletons. - Ref. Nissen (ZBI) 672. - Prov. Charles Joseph d'Argenteau d'Ochain (1787-1879), military officer and archbishop from the Southern Netherlands (ms. entries in most vol.).