An attractive copy of the third edition of Linnaeus's groundbreaking work on botanical taxonomy. 
 
First published in 1737 and dedicated to Herman Boerhaave, Genera Plantarum is a significant stepping stone toward the development of a standardised biological nomenclature. Dividing the plant kingdom into 24 classes, Linnaeus presents a system based on 'natural characters' of genera.
 
"The Genera plantarum was Linnaeus's most important book, even more than the Systema naturae, with respect to the practical introduction of his ideas. [...] His reform was daring and thorough, based on an exceptional and practical knowledge of plants; although influenced by somewhat outmoded ideas, it had exactly the salutary effect which he wanted it to have: consistency and simplicity. These two were prime needs for taxonomy in 1737" (Stafleu).
 
The present edition contains the text of the 1742 edition, augmented with the French vernacular plant names.