Dialogues on Entomology, in which the Forms and Habits of Insects are Familiarly Explained
Author: [Beaufort, Louisa]; [Marcet, Jane]; [Women's Education]; [Entomology]
Title: Dialogues on Entomology, in which the Forms and Habits of Insects are Familiarly Explained
Publication: London: Printed for R. Hunter, 1819
Edition: First edition
Description: Hardcover. 12mo. [5], vi-xii, [1], 2-408 pp. Contemporary half green calf over blue cloth with the spine in about six compartments, purple morocco label lettered in gilt on the spine. Yellow endpapers and pastedowns. Illustrated with a frontispiece and twenty-four additional plates, beautiful hand-colored engravings of moths, catepillars, beetles, spiders, butterflies, and other insects. The dialogue is between a little girl, Lucy, and her mother. Hagen 33. Ogilvie and Harvey 99; 842. Oxford DNB, Elizabeth J. Morse, "Marcet, Jane Haldimand (1769-1858)". Although the book is published anonymously, there is strong evidence to suggest that Jane Haldimand Marcet is the author of this work, which was published in the same year as her Conversations on Natural Philosophy. The book is dedicated to Marcet's friend, the writer Maria Edgeworth. Jane Marcet wrote books on political economy, chemistry, physics, botany, and on other natural sciences. Her writing educated young readers about the principles of scientific theory and law, and it is said that her work on chemistry was an inspiration to the young Michael Faraday. This book on insects follows her style, and tenderly features Lucy's mother telling her daughter, "I approve so much of your disposition to inquire into every thing of which you are ignorant, that I never think [your] interruptions troublesome." A beautifully illustrated, warm exposition of zoology, especially focused on insects and their miniature world. Very Good.
Rebacked with the corners touched up, minor wear to the boards' edges.
Seller ID: 000013089
Subject: Explanation and Imagination, Science
