(HOUTTUYN, M.). Natuurlyke historie of uitvoerige beschryving der dieren, planten...

(HOUTTUYN, M.). Natuurlyke historie of uitvoerige beschryving der dieren, planten en mineraalen, Volgens het Samenstel v. (...) Linnaeus. Amst., F. Houttuyn, (a.o.), 1761-85. 3 in 37 vols. W. 296 fine engr. plates (all fold.) of minerals, quadrupeds, plants, birds, reptiles, etc. All uniformly bound in cont. cf. binds., spines richly gilt and in compartments, w. red and green labels. (Upper spine ends a bit worn/chafed, lower hinge vol. 1 split (but holding), occasionally a bit damp wrinkled, some age-toning/browning, image plate 26 of vol. 3 partly stenciled, but a sound & complete set in very good condition).Famous Houttuyn edition and first extensive (± 20,000 pp.!) Dutch natural history which claims to be based on the 'Systema Naturae' by C. Linnaeus (1707-78), but which was in fact a compilation of many similar works in other countries (Soulsby, 73). This may also be called the most voluminous Linnaeus edition, taking up a space of almost two meters. As Linnaeus, Houttuyn (1720-98) classifies all known plants, animals and minerals, but in contrast to Linnaeus, Houttuyn gives detailed descriptions of each species. Little is known of Houttuyn's biography, except that he practised medicine at Hoorn, where he also was a (baptist?) clergyman. - Hulth, p. 8; Nissen ZBI, 2011; Lindeboom 917-8.