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[NOVARA EXPEDITION]. HOCHSTETTER, Ferdinand von (1829-1884) and August PETERMANN (1822-1878). The Geology of New Zealand… From the Scientific Publications of the Novara Expedition. Translated into English by C.T. Fisher. Auckland: T. Delattre, 1864.
8vo. Original red textured cloth lettered in gilt (small faint stain to upper cover).
RARE FIRST EDITION of this early work presenting discoveries made in New Zealand, specifically in Auckland and Nelson, during the Austrian Imperial Novara Expedition. The Novara Expedition (1857-1859) was the first large-scale scientific, around-the-world mission of the Austrian Imperial navy. Seven scientists were onboard, led by geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter and zoologist Georg von Frauenfeld. As well as the notable geological and topographical observations, important botanical research was performed. The first coca plant investigations, in New Zealand and on other islands, resulted in the first use of pure cocaine for medicinal purposes. Hochstetter’s surveys were used in the making of the first geological map of New Zealand which created the basis for future geological research.