Gesner's Historiae Animalium (1551-1587)
Conrad Gesner. Historiae Animalium. Zurich, 1551-1587.
Conrad Gesner (1516-1565) represents the epitome of the Renaissance man. He was a physician and professor of philosophy at the University of Zurich and earned the title "Father of Zoology."
Gesner's Historiae Animalium was a 4,500 page zoological encyclopedia that incorporated the work of Belon and Rondelet. It was by far the most extensive work on animals up to then published. It includes their medicinal properties, economic importance, native country, variations in name, and even "literary and moral uses." The excellent woodcuts used as illustrations are of enduring interest and a delight to the modern reader. Volume five, shown here, records fishes and other aquatic animals.