Organic remains of a former world: An examination of the mineralized remains of the vegetables and animals of the antediluvian world; generally termed extraneous fossils (3 volume set)

James Parkinson was a surgeon, geologist, paleontologist and activist who is best known for his piece, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, in which he was the first to describe the condition that is now known as Parkinson’s disease. Alongside medicine, Parkinson was interested in paleontology and geology, often going on excursions to collect and observe fossils. Due to a lack of work in English on fossil identification and interpretation, Parkinson took it upon himself to write his own books on the study of fossils. The result is this 3 volume set that has been praised as “the first attempt to give a familiar and scientific account of fossils." Parkinson illustrated each volume himself and his daughter colored some of them.

Condition and treatment: This is a collection of three full leather volumes from the early 19^th century. While the textblocks are in good condition, the bindings are severely degraded with detached covers. These tightback leather bindings cannot be handled in their current condition due to the actively powdering red-rotted leather. In order to make the bindings usable, conservation staff will consolidate the powdery leather and reattached loose boards. The three volumes will be housed in polyester jackets.