Whales. Blunt-headed Whale, Cachelot Whales, Porpoise, Dolphin. Rees c1811

by Rees, Abraham

Antique print of Marine Mammals, Wales, Porpoise, Dolphin.
Class Mammalia. Order Cete. Genus Physeter, Cachalot. Genus Delphinus. G. Dolphin.
Physeter Macrocephlus, Blunt-Headed Cachalot. Physeter Gibbosus Schreb, Gibbons Cachalot, Delphinus Phocaena Porpoise, Delphinus Delphis Dolphin.

Original copperplate engraving of marine mammals by J. Scott after the drawing by eminent Welsh natural history artist, Sydenham Edwards, for The Cyclopaedia; or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, the brainchild of Presbyterian clergyman and scholar, Abraham Rees (1743-1825). This enormous undertaking began in London in 1802, published by Longman and Rees. Publication was not completed until 1820 and publishers varied during this time.

Rees commissioned scientific experts in each field, and the foremost artists. The work was entirely hand-set and printed from engraved plates. Unlike the text, each engraving was printed on thick paper. By 1812 when this engraving was published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, it was known as The New Cyclopaedia.

This wonderful engraving is in fine condition except for the usual light soiling around the edges of the page. Page size is 26.7 x 21 cm (10.5 x 8.25 inches)