Harold T. Clark Library | Rare Book Collection

Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles (Research on Fossil Fish)

Written by Louis Agassiz 
Published in Neuchâtel, Switzerland
4 volumes, 1833-1843
Dimensions: 12.5 x 18.25 x 2 inches

Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) was educated as a physician in both Germany and his native Switzerland, but spent most of his life studying fossil fish, rising to prominence as a scientist and scholar. He eventually became a professor at Harvard University, and also helped to found the National Academy of Sciences in 1863.

Earlier in his career, Agassiz was a student of renowned European naturalist Georges Cuvier, and Research on Fossil Fish represents the combined scientific efforts of both men. The work fills two volumes of text (written in French) and two volumes of plates. The illustrations (many of which extend onto large fold-out pages) were reportedly done by Agassiz's wife, artist Cécile Braun.

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For more information please contact:
Wendy Wasman, Librarian, (216) 231-4600, ext. 3222, wwasman@cmnh.org