(Born: Maestricht, France, 1743; Died: 7 August 1818) Belgian physician & naturalist.

Practical doctor in Brussels. Under King Joseph II, member of the soverigns privy council. Wrote about the fossils and minerals found around Mastricht in Oryctographie de Bruxelles. Bruxelles, 1784.

Biographical references: Aa, Biographisch Woordenboek, 1852-78. • BAB: 116, 71-102. • Biografisch Woordenboek België. • Biografisch Woordenboek Nederland. • Lambrecht & Quenstedt, Catalogus, 1938: 69. • Poggendorff: 1, col. 350 & 3, 219. • WBI.

1. French, 1784.
Oryctographie de Bruxelles, ou Description des Fossiles Tant Naturels qu'accidentels déscouverts Jusqu'à ce Jour dans les environs de cette Ville par M: François-Xavier Burtin Médecin Cons, de feu S.A.R. le Duc Charles de Lorraine ... Bruxelles, de L'imprimerie de le Maire 1784 avec Approbation et Permission Se vend Chez L'auteur, prix broché 60. de France.

8°: [2], 1-151, [1] p., 32 leaves of plates (hand-colored).

Contents: [Engraved title page].; 1-2, Dedication to Marie-Christine, Princess of Hungary and Bohemen, and Albert, Prince of Poland and Lithuania.; 3-9, "Discours Preliminaire."; 10, "Table des Chapitres."; 11-146, Text.; [32 leaves of plates].; 147-151, Explication of the plates.

Scarce. Apparently, the first extensive book treating Belgium fossils and minerals. It is beautifully illustrated, with the thirty-two hand colored copperplates showing fossils and petrifications found in the vicinity of Brussels. Contained in the text are descriptions of various fossils and minerals found in the region.

Bibliographical references: Agassiz, Bibliographia Geologiæ, 1848-54: 1, 502. • Freilich Sale Catalog: no. 111. • Landwehr, Studies in Dutch Books, 1976: no. 49. • LKG: XIV 704. • Roller & Goodman, Catalogue, 1976: 1, 190. • Ward & Carozzi, Geology Emerging, 1984: no. 410.

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