The dedication page from the supplement to Hamilton’s ‘Campi Phlegraei’

A fine example of the plate containing the dedication to the Royal Society from the French edition of Sir William Hamilton's supplement to his 'Campi Phlegræi. Observations on the volcanos of the two Sicilies'. The Latin dedication, dated 1779, is augmented by six views of Vesuvius erupting (described on an accompanying text page), taken from the illustrations by Pietro Fabris. Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803) was British envoy to the Kingdom of Naples and an avid student of both volcanology and antiquities. This work documents the Campi Flegrei ('fields of fire'), the volcanic region around Mount Vesuvius, combining scientific observation with superb hand-coloured plates after drawings by Pietro Fabris. It is regarded as one of the most important early publications on volcanology. Hamilton has two further claims to fame: the classical vases he brought back to England was the foundation of the British Museum's collection; and his second wife, Emma Hamilton, was the mistress of Lord Nelson.