Charles Oberthür (1845-1924), entomologist,... - Lot 42 - Conan Belleville Hôtel d'Ainay

Charles Oberthür (1845-1924), entomologist, he built up an immense collection of insects, the second largest in the world, with more than 5 million specimens. 12 L.A.S. to the entomologist Alfred Chobaut (1860-1926). Rennes and Paris, 1910-1913. 31 pp. in-4 and in-8. Various printed headings. Long correspondence relating to his work Etudes de Lépidoptérologie comparée, and to his research. Oberthür was a butterfly enthusiast and named many species, some of which were found in the Vaucluse, his correspondent's country. Oberthür describes and details the contents of his work, as well as other entomological works, with their prices, the number of volumes, the copies he had colored, and talks about his plans for a new edition. He talks about his condition: "Unfortunately for me, I am no longer young, being in my 66th year. - My eyes & the safety of my hand still give me the means to work; but while I have gained some experience from which my studies benefit, I have lost some of the vigour I once enjoyed... once. I will work as long as my means permit. Then I will watch others work [...]". He disserted at length on the characteristics of many butterflies (Lycaena, lycaena adonis, coenonympha lyllus, bellargus adonis, zygaena, pyrgus serratulae, pyrgus onopordi, pyrgus proto, notodontidae, thecla rubi, etc.) and the characteristics of other insects. Finally, it also gives advice on the conservation of butterflies.