Johann Gottlieb Mann

Deutschlands wildwachsende Arzney-pflanzen: und deren gewöhnlichste Verwechslungen.

Stuttgart: bei dem Herausgeber, [1823-] 1828

Folio (15 4/8 x 10 2/8 inches). Lithographed frontispiece of Linnaeus, lithographed title-page, and 186 lithographed plates with original hand-colour by F. Schmidt after Mann (some occasionally heavy marginal staining, spotting and browning). Contemporary half tan calf, marbled paper boards (worn).

First edition of this great iconography of medicinal plants, originally issued in parts, and with fine and detailed illustrations of wild flowers and fruits, each with an accompanying description in German. In the introduction to the volume, Mann states that his goal in publishing the work was two-fold: "to present a collection of realistic drawings of medicinal plants for the use of doctors, veterinarians and pharmacists who would not otherwise have the time or opportunity to study the plants in nature, and to give a simple and precise description of the plants along with where they may be found and when they are in season. Mann’s illustrations transcend their original, utilitarian purpose of assisting medical professionals, however; they are works of art" (Monroe Library, Loyola University online). Nissen, BBI 1272; Stafleu, TL-2 5355.