Natural History Volume 7 by Pliny the Elder is a comprehensive and informative look at the natural world as understood by the ancient Romans. This volume covers a wide range of topics, including animals, plants, minerals, and various natural phenomena.

Pliny's writing style is clear and engaging, making even complex scientific concepts accessible to the lay reader. His passion for the natural world is evident on every page, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Readers will come away from this book with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

One of the most impressive aspects of this volume is the breadth of topics covered. Pliny leaves no stone unturned, discussing everything from the habits of different species of birds to the medicinal uses of various plants to the properties of different types of gemstones. This comprehensive approach makes the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the natural world.

Overall, Natural History Volume 7 is a fascinating and enlightening read that offers a unique glimpse into the natural world as understood by the ancient Romans. Pliny the Elder's passion for his subject shines through in every chapter, making this a must-read for anyone with an interest in natural history.

Book Description:
Naturalis Historia 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 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