Instinct Displayed, in a Collection of Well-Authenticated Facts, Exemplifying the Extraordinary Sagacity of Various Species of the Animal Creation

The very scarce first edition of English Quaker philanthropist Priscilla Wakefield's study of animals and their instincts, and the overall 'beauty of creation'. The very scarce first edition of this work.Prolific writer and Quaker philanthropist Priscilla Wakefield writes about the animal kingdom in thirty-four chapters arranged in epistolary form, and with discussions of such wide ranging creatures as termites, magpies, bats, goats, monkeys, horses and swine.Wakefield discusses the interaction of reason and instinct in various species, and explains that 'the harmonising beauty of creation and the interesting objects it presents, have been my delight from childhood'.With four pages of advertisements to the rear.With a prize inscription to the head of the title page. In a full calf binding. Significant rubbing to back strip and board perimeters. One vertical split and several horizontal splits to the back strip. Joints starting, with boards tenderly held. Front board held by one cord only. Internally, binding strained. Pages lightly age toned, with light spotting and handling marks throughout. Good Only.…