INTRODUCTION

This volume contains Books VIII–XI of Pliny's Naturalis Historia (Natural History); their subject is zoology.

The detailed contents can be found in Pliny's own outline of his work, which, along with lists of the authorities used for each book, constitutes Book I. For information on Books VIII–XI, see Volume I, pages 40–64, of this edition.

Book VIII deals with various mammals, wild and domesticated; among them, the author introduces snakes, crocodiles, and lizards.

Book IX treats aquatic species, including Nereids, Tritons, and the sea-serpent. There are significant passages on their economic aspects—the use of fish as food, pearls, dyes obtained from fish—and on their physiology, senses, and reproduction.

Book X covers ornithology: hawks trained for fowling, birds of evil omen, the domestication of birds for food, talking birds, and reproduction. It includes an appendix on other viviparous giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs species, moving on to animals in general—their methods of reproduction, senses, nutrition, friendships and hostilities between different species, and sleep.

Book XI covers insects, their physiology and habits—especially bees, silkworms, and spiders. It also classifies animals by variations in bodily structure and discusses animal and human physiology.