Boys, W. and G. Walker
Testacea Minuta Rariora, nuperrime detecta in arena littoris sandvicensis; Multa addidit, et omnium figuras ope microscopii ampliatas accurate delineavit. A collection of the minute and rare shells, lately discovered in the sand of the sea shore near Sandwich; Considerably augmented, and their figures accurately drawn, as magnified with the microscope.
London, B. White, Scatcherd & Whitaker, and Humphrey, [1784]. 4to (27.5 x 21.1 cm). Title page, dedication leaf, v, 25 pp.; three engraved plates. Iberian purple half calf over marbled boards. Gilt title on the spine and front board. Marbled endpapers.
This is the first work describing and illustrating microscopic shells of gastropods and foraminifers. Written by the British surgeon William Boys (1735-1803), and expanded and illustrated by the British naturalist, microscopist, and bookseller George Walker (1737?-1792). Among the shells we see marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species, all native to Great Britain. The Nora copy, listed in the 1999 Malacology catalogue (No. 278) of Antiquariaat Junk. Some offsetting from the plates to the text leaves; plates clean. A very good copy. Cat. BM(NH) p. 219; Nissen ZBI, 524 (under Boys only).
