Audiobook: Natural History Volume 7

Naturalis Historia (Latin for “Natural History”) is an encyclopedia published circa AD 77-79 by Pliny the Elder. It is one of the largest single works to have survived from the Roman empire to the modern day and purports to cover the entire field of ancient knowledge, based on the best authorities available to Pliny. The work became a model for all later encyclopedias in terms of the breadth of subject matter examined, the need to reference original authors, and a comprehensive index list of the contents. The scheme of his great work is vast and comprehensive, being nothing short of an encyclopedia of learning and of art so far as they are connected with nature or draw their materials from nature. The work divides neatly into the organic world of plants and animals, and the realm of inorganic matter, although there are frequent digressions in each section. He is especially interested in not just describing the occurrence of plants, animals and insects, but also their exploitation (or abuse) by man, especially Romans. The description of metals and minerals is particularly detailed, and valuable for the history of science as being the most extensive compilation still available from the ancient world. This seventh and last volume includes books thirty one to thirty seven, covering the following subjects: Book 31 – The remedies derived from the aquatic productions Book 32 – Remedies derived from the aquatic animals Books 33 and 34 – The natural history of metals Book 35 – An account of paintings and colours Book 36 – The natural history of stones Book 37 – The natural history of precious stones. – Summary by Leni