The Rudiments of Botany, Structural and Physiological: Being an Introduction to the Study of the Vegetable Kingdom, and Comprising the Advantages of a Full Glossary of Technical Terms.

DRESSER, Christopher.

Published by London: James S. Virtue, 1859

About this Item

First edition of this scarce early work by the designer and botanist. Dresser extensively utilized his botanical expertise in his design portfolio; he was appointed Chair of Botany Applied to the Fine Arts at the Department of Science and Art, South Kensington, the following year. "Dresser's greatest contribution to visual culture was that he devised a methodology of designing for the scientific age. He was the first real designer for industry … He approached design as a scientist [and] took inspiration from nature." (Durant, pp. 23-4). Dresser believed that perfect ornamentation was to be found in nature, particularly in the structure of plants, and promoted scientific experimentation as a source of inspiration for artists. The work is arranged into chapters devoted to the physical structure of different parts of plants, such as the leaf, the stem, and the flower bud. As a result of its success, Dresser was awarded a doctorate by Jena University the following year, which at the time had the most advanced botanical faculty in Europe: "He was always extremely proud of this and made a point of being known as Dr Dresser" (ODNB). The only appearance of this title at auction is as far back as 1907. Stuart Durant, "Christopher Dresser and the Use of Contemporary Science", Journal of the Decorative Arts Society, 1850 to the Present, no. 29, 2005. Octavo. Numerous engraved illustrations and diagrams within text, several of which full-page. Original green morocco-grain cloth, spine lettered in gilt, covers framed in blind, dark purple endpapers. Spine ends worn, corners bumped, front joint restored, front cover a little mottled, light foxing to contents else clean, cords occasionally visible: a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 172687

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Rudiments of Botany, Structural and Physiological: Being an Introduction to the Study of the Vegetable Kingdom, and Comprising the Advantages of a Full Glossary of Technical Terms.
• Publisher: London: James S. Virtue, 1859
• Edition: 1st Edition