VIREY (Julien-Joseph). - Lot 288

VIREY (Julien-Joseph). French naturalist, physician and philosopher. 1775-1846. Member of the Académie royale de médecine, Conseil supérieur de santé and author of numerous works on natural history and scientific philosophy. L.A.S. "J. J. Virey" to Monsieur Rouvier. July 4, 1833. 2 pages in-4. Interesting letter concerning the editing and illustration of a scientific work, in which Virey gives precise instructions concerning the organization of the engraved plates and their insertion in the volume. He announces the dispatch of a new plate: "I am sending to Monsieur Rouvier plate 6e, which will need to be rated 6." and specifies how the previous plates are to be arranged: "The old plates should be titled a few nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, without page or volume indications...". Also enclosed: "an explanation of all the figures on the plates", intended to be placed before the tables of the work. The letter testifies to the care Virey took over the scientific and typographical presentation of his illustrated publications. Finally, he recommends that his correspondent pass on his instructions "to the printer and the intaglio engraver". An interesting document on scholarly publishing practices in the early 19th century, combining scientific work, engraving and the layout of naturalist works.