London: Printed for J. Oswald, 1744. First edition. 8vo (163 x 89 mm). Modern full morocco with spine in 5 compartments and 4 raised bands, lightly worn, spine faded; minor soiling throughout text.

Cotton Mather was a Purtian clergyman and author whose works in theology, history, and in particular biology and botany proved to be of immeasurable value to the citizens of New England, with his plant hybridization efforts resulting in more plentiful crops and his research into smallpox making him one of the earliest advocates for inoculation.