(Tea - Maté - Paraguay) Dr. Alfred Demersay. Etude Economique sur le Maté ou Thé du Paraguay. *Signed*

[4], 48 pp. Illus. with engraved frontispiece and one plate in rear. 9.5x6.25", original wrappers, glassine cover. First Edition. Paris: Librairie d'Agriculture et d'Horticulture, 1867.

Inscribed & signed by Demersay on the half-title. Alfred Demersay (1815-1891) was a French physician and explorer. who wrote about Paraguay. This is a very rare and early work on the subject of Paraguayan maté, with descriptions of its uses there (both commercial and traditional), as well as scientific analysis. Plate in rear by Hildibrand depicts a maté  branch, pod, and tea service implements. 

Foxing, small worm hole to upper front free endpaper, else very good.

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