Naming the Classes of Objects and the Disciplines
Abstract
Chapter 3 discusses the designations for the classes of objects (i.e. animals, plants – including flora and fauna – and minerals), as well as for the respective disciplines. In the early modern period, historia naturalis /natural history was the name applied to the study of natural objects, later to be known as biology and geology/mineralogy. The names for these and other subdisciplines emerged in the early modern period but at different stages and sometimes with divergent intentions and meanings.
Fields of Study & Subjects
History of Science and Natural History
Historical Philosophy and Science
Diverse Historical and Scientific Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 52–86
- Publication date
- 28 January 2026
- Document type
- Book chapter