London: Joannis Zempel, 1759. Quarto, frontispiece and 30 engraved plates. Early half calf and marbled boards, all edges speckled, contents bright and crisp.

Agostino Scilla (1629-1700) was an early pioneer in the study of fossils and scientific illustration. He promoted a scientific understanding of fossils in contrast to the bibical interpretations of his day.