De Canibus Britannicis: Of Englishe Dogges

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Caius, John, 1510-1573

Contributor:

Fleming, Abraham, 1552?-1607

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"De Canibus Britannicis: Of Englishe Dogges" by John Caius is a scientific treatise written in the late 16th century. The work focuses on the various breeds of dogs native to England, exploring their characteristics, uses, and distinctions. The author probes into their roles within hunting and domestic contexts, effectively classifying them into categories based on their traits and functions. At the start of the text, Caius addresses a friend and fellow scholar, Conrad Gesner, articulating his intention to provide a detailed account of English dogs. He emphasizes the importance of these animals in both hunting and companionship, asserting that they can be divided into three primary categories: noble, rustic, and degenerate breeds. Caius further elaborates on various breeds within the noble category, detailing their hunting skills and anatomical features, such as the Hound ("Sagax"), the Harrier, and others, suggesting that each has a unique method and purpose in the practice of hunting. This introductory portion sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of canine breeds, establishing the author's expertise and the significance of the subject in both natural history and human activities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Louise Hope

Notes:

Reading ease score: 55.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2008-10-26