First edition of a richly illustrated introduction into the science of conchology by a member of the Sowerby family, which included many scholars and artists of shells. According to the introduction: "this little volume ... is strictly conchological, and ... is compiled for the use not only of those who wish to acquire an elementary acquaintance with the subject, but also of authors and others, who, desirous of extending their knowledge and pursuing their researches, require a book of reference, containing a general outline of what has been done by those who have trodden the same path before them"(p. i).
The French conchologist Hippolyte Crosse (1836-1898) wrote that Sowerby was "a mediocre naturalist, a shocking Latinist, but an excellent draughtsman" (Cleevely).
With the bookplate of Hugh Ker Colville (1847-1930) on the pastedown and the owner's inscription of J.W. Norwoord on the first endpaper. An owner's inscription on the title page has been rubbed out. Frequent underlining in the text and notes by Norwood on the back endpapers. Binding worn at the hinges and sides. Some smudges and spots on the plates and on the title page, nevertheless a good copy. Cleevely, "Sowerby, George Brettingham, the first", in: ODNB (7 jan 2016); Nissen ZBI, 3910; Sherborn, Bibliography of the Foraminifera, p. 131.