NUTTALL, Thomas (1786-1859). The Genera of North American Plants, and a Catalogue of the Species to the Year 1817. Philadelphia: D. Heartt for the Author, 1818. 2 volumes, 8vo (199 x 119 mm). (Some soiling or spotting, dampstaining.) ORIGINAL CLOTH-BACKED BOARDS UNCUT, printed labels on spines (old repairs to spines, joints starting, minor losses to spine ends and extremities, some soiling or staining). Provenance: William Wagner (1796-1885), Founder of the Wagner Free institute of Science, Pennsylvania merchant and State Senator. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY NUTTALL: "Wm. Wagner presented by Mr. Thomas Nuttall the Author Aug. 24th 1818." Thomas Nuttall and William Wagner were both early members of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, which was established in 1818. Other notable 19th-century members included Thomas Jefferson, Richard Owen, Georges Cuvier, Alexander von Humboldt, and John James Audubon. Wagner founded the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia to provide free lectures and demonstrations for the public, which also housed a fine scientific library. Pritzel 6772; Sabin 56347. A FINE ASSOCIATION COPY.