⚠mirrored text (offset/set-off from facing page), low contrast, significant foxing and water staining at the top edge

A faint, mirror-image transfer of a highly decorative architectural title page. At the top, two winged infants (putti) support a shield bearing the papal coat of arms. The central text is housed within a rectangular panel flanked by Corinthian columns. On the left stands a figure in a toga, likely representing ancient philosophy; on the right is a figure in classical Roman military armor. Below the main text panel is a rectangular scene depicting the author, Ulisse Aldrovandi, kneeling to present his book to the seated Pope Clement VIII, surrounded by several standing figures. The publication details are situated in a decorative frame (cartouche) at the bottom.

ULISSE ALDROVANDI

PHILOSOPHER AND PHYSICIAN

OF BOLOGNA

Professor of Natural History in the Academy of Bologna

ORNITHOLOGY

THAT IS,

THE HISTORY OF BIRDS

IN TWELVE BOOKS

TO CLEMENT VIII,

SUPREME PONTIFF.

original: "PONT. OPT. MAX." — an abbreviation for Pontifex Optimus Maximus, a title for the Pope meaning "Best and Greatest High Priest."

WITH

A MOST EXTENSIVE INDEX IN SEVENTEEN LANGUAGES.

BOLOGNA

At the shop of Giovanni Battista Bellagamba.

1599.

WITH PRIVILEGE.

This indicates the publisher was granted exclusive legal rights to print this work, serving as an early form of copyright protection.