First and only edition in English of a richly illustrated and influential work on the natural history of Norway in two parts, by Erich Pontoppidan (1698-1764), the Bishop of Bergen and a reputable member of the Danish Royal Academy of Sciences. In the first part, the author describes the climate and topography of Norway, the country's vegetation and its minerals, metals, and gems. The second part describes animals - particularly fishes and molluscs - and the history and topography of Norway. This second part also contains the famous chapter on sea monsters, in which the mermaid and sea serpent are described. Pontoppidan applies the scientific approach used in the other chapters to these "strange and uncommon sea-animals", quoting severable contemporary witnesses and claiming that all Norwegians he had spoken to consider these animals' existence a fact. Earlier authors are mentioned, but are considered to be questionable sources. Of the 16th-century history of Scandinavia by Olaus Magnus, Pontoppidan writes that he "mixes truth and fable together, according to the relations of others; but this was excusable in that dark age, when that author wrote" (pp. 207-208). Interestingly, before the Natural History of Norway the sea serpent was rarely sighted, whereas after the publication of the book, the numbers increased, especially from the 19th century onwards.
Binding somewhat worn at the extremities and lower corners damaged, the hinges have been restored but the back hinge shows a large crack but is otherwise still intact, the text leaves are very lightly foxed throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Loxton & Prothero, Abominable science, pp. 207-211; Nissen, ZBI, 3224.