Rare, especially complete in three volumes. As stated on the title-page of Vol. I, this work was originally intended to be complete in 2 volumes. The author died before publication of the second volume, which was published posthumously in 1853, under the superintendence of his sister, Miss Elizabeth Dalyell, and Prof. John Fleming, D.D. Subsequently a third 'Supplemental' volume was also published, including a portrait and Memoir of the author. The delicately hand-coloured plates illustrate marine invertebrates, including echinoderms (starfishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc.), crustacea (crabs, lobsters, prawns, etc.), molluscs, including cephalopods, worms, etc.
John Graham Dalyell (1775-1851) was a Scottish advocate, antiquary and naturalist. In 1797 he was elected a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and was chosen as the first vice-president of that society.
Nissen ZBI, 1030; Freeman, 902