In Our Time Pliny's Natural History
Jul 8, 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Pliny's Natural History, a Roman scholar's extensive reference work covering zoology, astronomy, and more. The podcast explores the legacy of Pliny the Elder, his dedication to knowledge, and the unique practical approach in 'Natural History', emphasizing practical information over conclusions. Pliny's complex relationship with sources is highlighted, along with the enduring influence of his work on medieval scholars and later centuries.
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Purpose of *Natural History*
- Pliny the Elder's Natural History aimed to compile all of contemporary knowledge, evidenced by its extensive information and sources.
- His motivation was to make this accumulated information accessible to others, celebrating nature and Roman achievements.
Pliny's Scholarly Influences and Approach
- Pliny the Elder followed Roman and Greek scholarly traditions, citing Cato the Elder and Aristotle as influences.
- Unlike Aristotle's analytical approach, Pliny focused on compiling vast amounts of information without drawing generalized conclusions.
Breadth of *Natural History* and Source Citation
- Pliny the Elder's Natural History covers a wide range of topics, from lettuces to cosmology, reflecting the state of knowledge at the time.
- He meticulously cited his sources to avoid plagiarism, dividing them into Roman and foreign authors.