First edition of the Dutch translation of a detailed work on corals and sponges by the German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811). In this work, originally entitled Elenchus zoophytorum sistensbgenerum adumbrationes generaliores, first published as a part of Pallas's Miscellanea zoologica, Pallas presents an innovative classification of corals and sponges just after they had been transferred from the plant to the animal kingdom. The Dutch naturalist translator Pieter Boddaert (1694-1760) added some of his own observations and made the drawings for the copperplates. In 1766 Pallas published his Miscellanea Zoologica, which included the descriptions of several new vertebrates, which he had discovered in Dutch museum collections. His new system of animal classification was praised by Georges Cuvier and others.
Some black spots on the first 15 leaves, not affecting the text, a small marginal water stain near the end and a large stain on pp. 289-304 and 548-560 from a previously inserted document, edges of the plates slightly frayed. Binding rubbed along the extremities, corners bumped. Overall in good condition. Stafleu & Cowan 7222; Nissen, ZBI 3067.