Aldrovandi on Chickens

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Aldrovandi on Chickens

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Aldrovandi on Chickens, written in 1598, is the first English translation of any work by the Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi [born Sept. 11, 1522, Bologna — died May 4, 1605, Bologna], Renaissance naturalist and physician noted for his systematic and accurate observations of animals, plants, and minerals.

It exemplifies the spirit and the letter of Renaissance science, through careful examination of every process involved with the raising or use of chickens. Aldrovandi discusses such concepts as artificial stimulation of egg production, culling, and flock behavior. He traces reproduction in great detail from the competition of sperm in the oviduct to the position of the developed chick. In addition to recipes, he lists remedies for many diseases, and the prescriptions provide a fascinating glimpse of the medical practices of the time.

The chicken family, Aldrovandi suggests, is an admirable example of unity for the human family, provided the rooster’s extraordinary lustfulness is not emulated. Aldrovandi contributes substantially to the history of science and the study of ornithology.




 

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