Rhinoceros and the Megatherium - An Essay in Natural History

How did Europeans three centuries apart respond to two mysterious beasts-a living rhinoceros previously known only from ancient texts and a nameless monster's massive bones? Juan Pimentel shows that their reactions reflect deep cultural changes but also the enduring power of image and imagination to shape our understanding of the natural world.

About the author

Juan Pimentel is Associate Professor of History of Science, Institute of History (CSIC), Madrid.

Summary

How did Europeans three centuries apart respond to two mysterious beasts—a living rhinoceros previously known only from ancient texts and a nameless monster’s massive bones? Juan Pimentel shows that their reactions reflect deep cultural changes but also the enduring power of image and imagination to shape our understanding of the natural world.

Product details

• Authors: Peter Mason, Juan Pimentel
• Assisted by: Peter Mason (Translation)
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.01.2017
• EAN: 9780674737129
• ISBN: 978-0-674-73712-9
• No. of pages: 368
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Zoology / Mammals, History of Science, Zoology: Mammals, Zoology: mammals (mammalogy)