[JABLONSKY (Carl Gustav) - HERBST (Johann F. W.). [Natursystem aller bekannten in- und ausländischen Insecten: Schmetterlinge]. [Berlin, Pauli 1783-1804] 2 vol. in-8° oblong bound in full contemporary blue boards, smooth spine (Contemporary binding). Entirely engraved work, presenting 327 numbered and captioned plates, enhanced with watercolours. Edited mainly by Herbst after Jablonsky's death in 1787, and published until 1806, with a total of 21 volumes accompanied by a two-part atlas (Coleoptera and Butterflies). The aim of this undertaking was to systematically catalogue known insects according to Carl von Linné's classification system, while continuing the spirit of Buffon's Histoire naturelle. Our copy includes only the two volumes of the atlas devoted to butterflies, without the text volumes or the section on beetles. A charming copy, with a beautiful freshness of the colours and plates, some wear to the binding. Very good condition of plates, wear to binding Binding : Significant, albeit superficial, surface damage to the binding boards on the spines of both volumes. Insolations and stains in places Corners slightly dented Slight and rare soiling Boards: General freshness of plates and colours Some plates slightly foxed Sporadic spotting Minimal and superficial soiling in the margins of rare plates Collation: Vol 1: 200 plates (numbered 1 to 200) Vol 2: 127 plates (numbered 201 to 327) Total of 327 plates