CHAPTER III. Pliny’s Natural History

PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY

A fitting starting-point for our discussion 37

I. The Character of the Work: Its extensive treatment of both science and magic 37 Objections to regarding it as a true picture of ancient science 38 Reasons for so regarding it 39 Pliny the Boswell of ancient science 40 Pliny’s relation to mediæval science 41

II. Pliny’s Discussion of Magic: Its significance 41 Pliny’s remarks concerning the history of magic 42 “Magic” false, according to Pliny 42 “Magic” an obscene and criminal art, according to Pliny 44

III. Illustrations of Pliny’s Fundamental Belief in Magic: Inconsistency of his declared scepticism 44 His belief that animals possess magic properties 45 His belief that plants have similar occult virtues 45 Strange qualities of minerals 46 Magical powers of man 47 Efficacy of magical ceremonial 48 Pliny’s belief unmistakable 49 Though probably limited 49 Question as to extent of his belief in astrology 50 His account of the heavenly bodies 50 Influence of the stars upon our planet 51 Influence of the stars upon man 52 Belief of Pliny in portents 53 Attitude of Pliny towards various popular superstitious observances 53 Pliny not esoteric 54 Conclusions to be drawn from the Natural History 54