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Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works Books
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the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 4 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 4 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopedic work first published in AD 77. This monumental compilation survives as the largest single work from the Roman Empire, covering an extraordinary range of subjects from astronomy and geography to botany, mineralogy, and art. Pliny gleaned information from ancient authors to recreate the natural world in literary form, presenting nature as a divine force serving humanity. The work reflects Rome's imperial expansion and includes accounts of exotic creatures and mysterious peoples from the edges of the known world.
the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopedic work published beginning in AD 77. The largest single work surviving from the Roman Empire, it compiles knowledge on an astonishing range of subjects—from astronomy and geography to zoology, botany, mining, and art. Pliny defines his scope as "the natural world, or life," presenting nature as a coherent whole serving humanity. Written at night while he served Emperor Vespasian, this ambitious compilation became a model for all later encyclopedias.
the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 2 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 2 (of 6)" by Pliny the Elder is an encyclopedic work published in AD 77. This monumental compilation spans 37 books across diverse subjects—from astronomy and geography to zoology, mining, and art. Written by a Roman administrator who worked by night, it presents nature as a divine force serving humanity. Pliny's sprawling catalog includes exotic creatures, medicinal plants, precious stones, and even rumors of monstrous races at the world's edges, creating an ambitious portrait of the natural world and human life within it.
the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 5 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 5 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopedic work first published in AD 77. This monumental Latin text compiles knowledge from across the ancient world, covering everything from geography and ethnography to zoology, botany, mining, and precious stones. The largest surviving work from the Roman Empire, it presents nature as a divine force serving humanity. Pliny died investigating Mount Vesuvius's eruption in AD 79 before completing his final revision, leaving his nephew to publish the remainder posthumously.
the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 3 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 3 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopedic work published in AD 77. This monumental Latin text compiles knowledge from ancient sources across an extraordinary range of subjects—from astronomy and geography to zoology, botany, mineralogy, and art. The largest surviving work from the Roman Empire, it presents nature as a unified whole designed to serve humanity. Pliny's ambitious project captures the wonder and variety of the natural world, reflecting Rome's imperial expansion and featuring exotic curiosities, medicinal plants, and even legendary monstrous races from the edges of the known world.
the Elder Pliny
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopaedic work published in AD 77. This final volume forms part of the largest single work surviving from the Roman Empire, spanning 37 books across diverse subjects from astronomy to precious stones. Pliny compiled knowledge from ancient authors to recreate the natural world in literary form, viewing nature as divine and created to serve humanity. Written during nights between his duties as imperial administrator, this monumental work influenced encyclopaedias for centuries to come.
Robert Hooke
Micrographia Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon
"Micrographia" by Robert Hooke is a scientific book published in 1665. The first major publication of the Royal Society, it reveals a hidden world through microscopic observation, featuring spectacular illustrations of insects and plants magnified for the first time. Hooke describes fly eyes, coins the term "cell" while examining plant tissue, and contrasts nature's perfection with mankind's flawed creations. This groundbreaking bestseller captured public imagination and established microscopy as a new frontier of scientific discovery.
W. (William) Derham
Physico-theology : $b Or, a demonstration of the being and attributes of God, from His works of creation
"Physico-theology: Or, a demonstration of the being and attributes of God" by W. Derham is a theological work written in the early 18th century. The text presents a series of sermons that aim to demonstrate the existence and qualities of God through the observation of nature and the works of creation. Derham approaches the relationship between science and theology, illustrating how natural phenomena reflect divine intelligence and design. The opening of this work sets the stage for a theological exploration grounded in empirical observations of the natural world. Derham expresses his intent to provide a comprehensive survey of God's creation, particularly focusing on how the complexities and wonders of the universe serve as evidence of a higher power. He acknowledges various predecessors in this field and emphasizes the importance of his lectures, seeking to merge philosophical inquiries with theological insights. Through defining concepts such as the atmosphere, gravity, and other natural elements, he begins to outline their critical roles in sustaining life and underscoring the majesty of the Creator.
William Dampier
A Voyage to New Holland, Etc. in the Year 1699
"A Voyage to New Holland, Etc. in the Year 1699" by William Dampier is a historical account written in the early 18th century. This travelogue details Dampier's observations and experiences from his voyage to various exotic locations, including the Canary Islands, Brazil, and New Holland (now Australia), offering insights into the inhabitants, their cultures, and the natural environment he encountered. The work is notable for its combination of personal narrative with geographical and ethnographical observations, written in an engaging style that aims to inform and entertain. At the start of the book, Dampier recounts his departure from the Downs and the course of his journey across the Atlantic Ocean, making stops at the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands. He provides detailed descriptions of these locations, discussing their geography, local customs, trade, and natural resources, while also sharing practical navigation tips and cautionary advice for other sailors. The opening sets a tone of exploration and discovery, emphasizing the challenges of long sea voyages and establishing a framework for the rich and informative accounts that will follow about other regions he visits throughout his travels.
William Dampier
A Continuation of a Voyage to New Holland, Etc. in the Year 1699
"A Continuation of a Voyage to New Holland, Etc. in the Year 1699" by William Dampier is a historical account written in the early 18th century. This work recounts the author's explorations of various islands, particularly in the region of New Holland (now Australia) and the surrounding archipelagoes of Timor and New Guinea. Dampier details his journey, the landscapes he encounters, the European settlements, native inhabitants, and the natural resources available in the regions he surveys. The opening of the book sets the stage for Dampier's voyage, explaining his motivation to explore these little-known lands in search of fresh water and provisions. He describes his departure from the coast of New Holland and subsequent arrival at Timor, detailing challenges such as difficult navigation due to inaccurate charts and his attempts to find water and engage with local populations. Additionally, he notes the presence of Dutch forts and the various island inhabitants, foreshadowing the interactions and encounters that will shape his journey. This opening highlights both the logistical challenges of exploration at the time and the author's keen observations of the natural world around him.
d'Ascoli Cecco
L'Acerba
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