short for Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus ?a.d. 23 - 79),
Roman official and writer. He was brought up as an accomplished, well-educated soldier,
administrator and naval commander. He is known to have practiced
law, but is chiefly remembered for his
interest in natural
history. His Natural
History is the most
comprehensive account of its kind written in antiquity. It covers such subjects as
astronomy, the cosmos,
geography, the
nature of
man, the
animal world, plants, agriculture, the
use of herbs for medical
purposes,
painting, magic, etc. Although
comprehensive, Pliny was careless in his
use of sources and frequently credulous. His
work nonetheless remained the
standard encyclopedic
compilation covering the
different aspects of
nature until the 17th century.
—SHSBC Binder 30 Approved Glossary