Paris , Chez Lamy, 1778, 2 part in 1 volume, in-4 (29.3 x 22.5 cm/11.54 x 8.86 inches), 1 f. - 8 pp.(text), 20 pp. (text), contemporary full mottled brown calf (some little tears on the upper spine-ends and wears on corners), spine raised on 5 bands, 5 compartments richly gilt tooled, 1 compartment with gilt lettered red morocco label, inscription with black ink on the first sides in capitals (PIERRES), green silk bookmaker, red edges.
First French edition of this exceptional work which is enriched by 2 title pages printed in black and red, by 2 engraved allegorical title pages after Girodet engraved by Royer and by a frontispiece with the portrait of the author accompanied by the 8-line verse by Hugo Grotius. This treatise contains 282 beautiful engraved plates of which 109 plates with more that 214 numbered figures representing ancient rings and cut of cameos set in each ring, and 172 other engraved plates with 682 numbered figures of antiques stones for use of seals. During all his life, Abraham Goorle (Antwerp 1549 - Delft 1609) gathered a splendid collection of old rings, seals, stones and coins which after his death was acquired by Henry, Prince of Wales and son of king James of England. Owner's handwritten inscription in modern Greeks on the lower part of the first title dated of 1796. Behalve some soiling on the first title page and a little burn on the lower red edges, it is a very nice copy of this book difficult today to find in sale. Cft. Brunet II, 1671.