
PREFATORY NOTE
CHAPTER XI Of Griffins.
CHAPTER XII Of the Phœnix.
CHAPTER XIII Of Frogs, Toads, and Toad-stone.
CHAPTER XIV Of the Salamander.
CHAPTER XV Of the Amphisbæna.
CHAPTER XVI Of the Viper.
CHAPTER XVII Of Hares.
CHAPTER XVIII Of Moles, or Molls.
CHAPTER XIX Of Lampries.
This volume gathers the eclectic essays of a 17th‑century polymath whose curiosity stretches from medicine to mythology. His prose is both scholarly and lyrical, inviting listeners to wander through a landscape where observation meets imagination. Each piece feels like a conversation with the past, full of vivid detail and thoughtful reflection.
In the chapter on Griffins, the author dissects the legend of the half‑eagle, half‑lion beast with a rigor that feels modern. He surveys ancient authorities—from Herodotus to Pliny—contrasting their claims with the natural‑philosophical standards of his day. The discussion moves beyond mere description, turning the creature into a symbol of courage, vigilance, and the blending of disparate natures.
For anyone who enjoys thoughtful wandering through the corridors of early modern thought, the collection offers a rich listening experience. The blend of erudition, humor, and poetic insight makes each essay a rewarding journey, perfect for curious minds seeking both knowledge and wonder.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (680K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jonathan Ingram, KD Weeks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)
Release date
2012-08-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1605–1682
A doctor by trade and a thinker by instinct, this 17th-century English writer brought science, faith, and curiosity together in some of the most memorable prose of his age. His books move easily from medicine to mystery, always with a sense of wonder about the world.
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