A landmark treatise by Hermann Samuel Reimarus, examining both innate and acquired animal behaviours, with observations that include American species, and situating these insights within the wider context of the natural order, the creator, and human understanding; combining natural history, philosophy, and early ethology in a manner that was revolutionary for its time, this work was later celebrated as a classic in behavioural research and secured Reimarus' place as a founder of modern animal psychology and ethology through his pioneering study of instincts. The present second edition, published in 1762 following the first edition of 1760, presents a refined and authoritative version of this foundational text, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors and scholars of the history of science and animal behaviour.
With a bookplate of the library of the Swedish zoologist Bengt-Olof Landin (1925-2006) on the front pastedown, and a contemporary owner's annotation by "J. J. Günther" from Copenhagen on the flyleaf. The binding shows signs of wear, some staining and browning in places. Otherwise in good condition. Cobres 301 ("excellent"); Goedeke IV, 475, 3; Poggendorf II, 596; VD18 10917624.