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DONOVAN, Edward (1768 – 1837)

DONOVAN, Edward (1768 – 1837)

1768 – 1837

11 entries in the GMN corpus.

Image source Edward Donovan · digitalgallery.nypl.org · Public domain

1792 CE–1813 CE

#9087

The natural history of British insects; explaining them in their several states, with the periods of their transformations, their food, oeconomy, &c. Together with the history of such minute insects as require investigation by the microscope. The whole illustrated by coloured figures, designed and executed from living specimens. 16 vols.

Includes a total of 576 plates, of which 568 were colored.

1794 CE

#7659

Instructions for collecting and preserving various subjects of natural history; as animals, birds, reptiles, shells, corals, plants, &c. Together with A treatise on the management of insects in their several states; selected from the best authorities.

Digital text available from ECCO TCP Eighteenth Century Collections Online at this link.

1794 CE–1819 CE

#9086

The natural history of British birds; or, a selection of the most rare, beautiful and interesting birds which inhabit this country: The descriptions from the Systema naturae of Linnaeus; with general observations, either original or collected from the latest and most esteemed English ornithologists; and embellished with figures, drawn, engraved, and coloured from the original specimens. 10 vols.

The first 5 volumes were issued in monthly parts, each consisting of 2 plates and accompanying text. A volume came out each year between 1794 and 1798; the fifth volume stated: "This work being now completed." However…

1798 CE

#9082

An epitome of the natural history of the insects of China: Comprising figures and descriptions of upwards of one hundred new, singular, and beautiful species: together with some that are of importance in medicine, domestic economy, &c. The figures are accurately, drawn, engraved, and coloured, from speciemsn of the insects; the descriptions are arranged accordig to the system of Linnaeus, with references to the writings of Fabricius, and other systematic authors.

The first work in a Western language on the insects of China, including pharmaceutical aspects. For this work Donovan obtained specimens and information from George Macartney a British envoy to China. Includes 50 colo…

1800 CE

#9084

An epitome of the natural history of the insects of India, and the islands in the Indian seas: Comprising upwards of two hundred and fifty figures and descriptions of the most singular and beautiful species, selected chiefly from those recently discovered, and which have not appeared in the works of any preceding author. The figures are accurately drawn, engraved, and coloured, from specimens of the insects; the descriptions are arranged according to the system of Linnaeus; with references to the writings of Fabricius, and other systematic authors.

"For Insects of India Donovan described and figured specimens in his own cabinet, that were originally collected by the late Duchess of Portland, Marmaduke Tunstall, a Governor Holford (many years resident in India), …

1800 CE–1804 CE

#9090

The natural history of British shells, including figures and descriptions of all the species hitherto discovered in Great Britain, systematically arranged in the Linnean manner, with scientific and general observations on each. 5 vols.

Digital facsimile from the Biodiversity Heritage Library at this link.

1802 CE–1808 CE

#9089

The natural history of British fishes, including scientific and general descriptions of the most interesting species, and an extensive selection of accurately finished coloured plates. Taken entirely from original drawings, purposely made from the specimens in a recent state, and for the most part whilst living. 5 vols.

"the paint is laid on so thickly that it is frequently impossible to see the engraved lines underneath. The already rich colouring is heightened by the addition of burnished highlights, albumen overglazes and metallic…

1805 CE

#9085

An epitome of the natural history of the insects of New Holland, New Zealand, New Guinea, Otaheite, and other islands in the Indian, Southern, and Pacific oceans: Including the figures and descriptions of one hundred and fifty-three species of the more splendid, beautiful, and interesting insects, hitherto discovered in those countries, and which for the most part have not appeared in the works of any preceding author. The figures are correctly delineated from specimens of the insects; and with the descriptions are arranged according to the Linnæan system, with reference to the writings of Fabricius and other entomologists.

"Apart from occasional excursions in England and Wales Donovan never left London. His Insects of New Holland is based on specimens collected by Joseph Banks and William Bayly an astronomer on the second and third voya…

1806 CE

#7658

Catalogue of the Leverian Museum : part I[-VI] ... the sale of the entire collection by Messrs. King and Lochee will commence on Monday, the 5th of May, 1806 at twelve o'clock.

Auction catalogue in six parts. Digital facsimile from Biodiviersity Heritage Library at this link. Facsimile reprint, London: Harmer Johnson and John Hewett, 1979 with a 69-page manuscript appendix of an extra five d…

1808 CE

#7685

Catalogue of the principal objects of curiosity [in the collection of Edward Donovan] contained in the London Museum and Institute of Natural History, Catherine Street, Strand, now open to the inspection of the public.

1842 CE

#9083

Natural history of the insects of China, containing upwards of two hundred and twenty figures and descriptions by E. Donovan. A new edition, brought down to the present state of the science, with systematic characters of each species, synonyms, indexes, and other additional matter by J. O. Westwood.

Digital facsimile from the Biodiversity Heritage Archive at this link.