ABSTRACT
In his letter of dedication as well as in the books that deal with mineralogy Pliny points out that in presenting his subject matter he aims at brevity that will not permit digressions. But, as is the case with other authors, he finds it difficult to realize his intentions, especially so since his subject is the wondrous world of Nature. In his eagerness to express and communicate his amazement and admiration for the bounty of Nature to his reader he transgresses these self-imposed bounds.
