Catalogue of Recent Shells...; Catalogue of Recent and Fossil Shells in the Cabinet of the late Edmund Ravenel

Edmund RAVENEL (1797-1871).

[Drop-head title:] Catalogue of Recent Shells, in the Cabinet of Edmund Ravenel, M.D. Charleston, S.C.: 1834. Octavo (9 1/8 x 5 in; 232 x 127mm).  Pp. [1-]2-20. (First and last page lightly soiled). Stitched (staple stab holes). Provenance: Various shells ‘ticked off’ in ink at an early date).

[with:] Catalogue of Recent and Fossil Shells in the Cabinet of the late Edmund Ravenel. Charleston, S.C.: 1874. Octavo (7 ½ x 5in; 190 x 127mm).  Pp. [1-]6-67[-68]. Original glazed-paper wrappers, title within a decorative border to the upper wrapper (staple stab holes).

Quite rare: the two catalogues of Ravenel’s private collection. ‘Edmund Ravenel was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on December 8, 1797. He received his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania from which he graduated in 1819, after which he returned to Charleston to practice medicine. He was an early advocate for the establishment of the Medical College of South Carolina and served as professor of chemistry and pharmacy for ten years. During that time he also served as dean of the college. Ill health forced his retirement from the college in 1835, after which he became a planter. He was acutely interested in conchology and amassed a large collection of specimens which are at the Charleston County Museum. After years in the country as a planter, he returned to Charleston where he died on July 27, 1871.’ (From the description of Edmund Ravenel Letters, Medical University of South Carolina Library). (2 )

RIJ 795.