Pitschner (Wilhelm) Der Mont Blanc Darstellung des Besteigung desselben am 31 Juli, 1 und 2 August 1859 - Atlas zum Mont Blanc. Berlin, August Hirschwald, 1860-1864. 1 volume in-8, bound in publisher's full percaline, gilt title on first board (spine reinforced) and one atlas in-folio, leaves in printed green covers (small tears in covers). First edition of text volume and atlas. The text volume is illustrated with 3 off-text lithographed plates numbered V, VI and VII, and the atlas contains 6 large colour lithographs, including two maps, numbered I to IV, VIII and IX. Extremely rare combination of text and atlas in first editions, complete with all engravings. An account of Dr Pitschner's 1859 ascent, with magnificent illustrations. This is the last major work devoted to a former scientific ascent of Mont Blanc. Some foxing to the text. The atlas plates are fresh. Wilhelm Pitschner was a German scientist, physicist, geologist, botanist and astronomer who taught at the Royal Polytechnic School in Berlin. He made two scientific ascents of Mont Blanc in 1859 and 1861. During the first, he made meteorological observations, inventoried the flora of the Grands Mulets, observed the stars during the night's bivouac, and endured very harsh temperatures during his observations of the microscopic fauna at the summit of Mont-Blanc, which caused him to suffer from frostbite. In 1861, he spent a fortnight at Grands Mulets, where he devoted himself mainly to observing the stars. On this occasion, he climbed the highest point of the Grands Mulets rocks, which still bears the name Aiguille Pitschner, given to it by the Chamonix guides. Perret, 3469 - Regards sur les Alpes 74 - May p. 69 - Montagnier - Nava L