In this study, the author shows how ancient natural history was the gathering and presentation of historiae, items worthy of note by the philosopher, popularizer or marvel-monger. This work explains how the subject was treated by different societies; the Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians.

Roger French argues convincingly that none of these purposes were scientific ; ancient natural history had much more to do with Macedonian and Roman military expansion than with early science'.

General Introduction to the Series Introduction to this Volume 1. Aristotle and the Nature of Things 2. Theophrastus, Plants and Elephants 3. Geography and Natural History 4. Greece and Rome 5. The Natural History of Pliny 6. Animals and Parables