Pierre Joseph Amoreux
Revue de l'histoire de la Licorne, par un naturaliste de Montpellier
"Revue de l'histoire de la Licorne, par un naturaliste de Montpellier" by Amoreux is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. The book meticulously examines the historical references and accounts surrounding the mythical creature known as the unicorn, ultimately aiming to clarify its existence through the lens of natural history and critical analysis. The text is built on a comprehensive review of ancient and contemporary sources, revealing the credulity that has persisted regarding the unicorn's existence. In the book, Amoreux delves into various historical sources, both ancient and modern, that discuss the unicorn, critiquing the validity of these accounts. He argues that despite numerous mentions of the unicorn by writers like Pliny and Aristotle, substantial evidence supporting its existence remains absent. Amoreux also reflects on the role of fables and the human inclination towards the fantastic, suggesting that instead of being a genuine creature, the unicorn is a cultural symbol molded over centuries through literature and art. Ultimately, he posits that the idea of the unicorn may be driven more by imagination and allegory than by the reality of an actual creature.