Dactyliotheca - The first extensive catalogue of an engraved gem collection

Abraham Gorlaeus (ca. 1549 – 1608) was a Dutch antiquary of Flemish origin. He published this first edition of his gem cabinet in 1601.

The year following his death in 1608 the collection was sold to Henry, Prince of Wales, then, after his death, it passed to his brother, who became became King Charles I.

Gorlaeus also had a collection of rare shells, which was of sufficient interest to be purchased by the State General of the Dutch Republic as a present for Marie de Medici, for 9000 guilders

This is a wonderful and very rare 1st edition, still in a period vellum binding. I believe the Metropolitan museum has a copy, but it is a later edition

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