Historiae animalium ("History of the Animals") published at Zurich in 1551–58 and 1587, is an encyclopedic work of "an inventory of renaissance zoology" by Conrad Gessner, a medical doctor and professor at the Carolinum in Zürich, the precursor of the University of Zurich. It is the first modern zoological work that attempts to describe all the animals known, and the first bibliography of natural history writing. The Wood Cut engraving of the Pigeons is by Albrecht Durer.Handcoloured. In fine condition. Plate folio size. 14.25" x 9.75" 458 years old. Matted.Extremely rare. The title page is not included in the sale.