The Book of Birds, Fishes, and Animals 1666

Leonhard Baldner (1612–94) was one of the most important figures in early modern natural history
Only 6 manuscript copies exist of his important zoological work, which he wrote by hand beginning in 1646
130 full-page miniatures from the Strasbourg artist Johann Georg Walther lovingly illustrate the text

The Book of Birds, Fishes, and Animals 1666

2° Ms. phys. et hist. nat. 3 Universitätsbibliothek Kassel (Kassel, Germany)

Description

The Book of Birds, Fishes, and Animals 1666

This rare 17th century manuscript is one of the most important works of early modern zoology. It was hand-written by Leonhard Baldner beginning in 1646 and only six manuscript copies survive today, including this copy from 1666. Baldner was a fisherman, naturalist, and forester from Strasbourg who was one of the first to use an aquarium to study fish and may be the first to author a text on the migration and life cycle of salmon. He also became first person to recognize the metamorphosis of the lamprey in 1666, but his discovery went unnoticed and wouldn’t be repeated until 1856. As such, he is considered to be the “father of Alsatian natural history”. His work is divided into three sections dealing with birds, fish and crustaceans, and quadrupeds and other land animals. The text originated entirely from Baldner’s own observations and does not rely on the writings of others. Strasbourg artist Johann Georg Walther was hired by Baldner to illustrate the work, which he did in spectacular fashion.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Vogel-, Fisch- und Thierbuch 1666
Type: Manuscript on paper
Size / Format: 558 pages / 19.0 × 31.5 cm
Origin: France
Date: 1666
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Baroque
Genre: Medicine / Botany / Alchemy
Language: German
Illustrations: 130 full-page miniatures
Artist / School: Leonhard Baldner (author)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

The Book of Birds, Fishes, and Animals 1666

A Leech

Identified here as ein Blütsaüger or “blood-sucker”, this leech appears on a page with other insects who primarily live in bodies of freshwater. These segmented parasitic worms are hermaphroditic and have suckers on both ends of their bodies. Although presented as an archetype of insatiable greed in Proverbs 30:15 and still associated with sycophancy and social parasitism today, leeches have been used medically for at least 2,500 years and the Old English term lǣcecraft means the art of healing.

Single Page

The Book of Birds, Fishes, and Animals 1666

European Otter

Found along the rivers and coasts of Europe and some parts of Asia, the European otter is a strongly territorial semiaquatic mammal whose diet consists primarily of fish. After declining during the mid-20th century due habitation loss, the use of pesticides, and general water pollution, populations of the European otter have rebounded in recent decades.

Aside from using stones to break open shells on their stomachs, these clever animals are among the few species where the adults engage in play, usually frolicking in the water or creating water slides on muddy banks for no other apparent reason than pure fun. Although the artist’s excellent depiction of the otter is anatomically accurate, it fails to present its more adorable activities.