Hearsay Is Not Excluded: A History of Natural History

The loss of a historic holistic vision of the world, which has contributed to contemporary environmental degradation and science skepticism, is the subject of Michael R. Dove's book. He examines the work of four pioneering natural historians from four centuries to find out what enabled them to transcend boundaries and distill that wisdom for a modern world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

For countless generations, the realm of natural history fostered a harmonious and comprehensive understanding of the world. In stark contrast, the contemporary emergence of specialized scientific disciplines has fostered a divide between nature and culture, as well as between scientific and folk knowledge. Michael R. Dove, drawing upon the fields of anthropology, history, and environmental science, contends that the loss of this historic holistic vision of the world is partly responsible for contemporary environmental degradation and science skepticism.

Dove's thesis is supported by a comprehensive study of four pioneering natural historians from four centuries: Georg Eberhard Rumphius (seventeenth century), Carl Linnaeus (eighteenth century), Alfred Russel Wallace (nineteenth century), and Harold C. Conklin (twentieth century). Dove delves into their field craft, writing styles, political, cultural, and environmental contexts, the sources of their insights, and the profound implications of their work for modern society.

At the heart of this book lies the quest to uncover the mechanisms that enabled these natural historians to transcend seemingly insurmountable boundaries and distill their wisdom for a modern world desperately in need of a holistic perspective on people and the environment. Dove explores their methods of observation, documentation, and interpretation, as well as the challenges and rewards they faced in their pursuit of knowledge.

Through their stories, Dove offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural world. He highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, the value of indigenous knowledge, and the need to balance scientific progress with environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, this chronicle of natural history serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that a holistic vision of the world can have on our understanding and stewardship of the environment. By exploring the lives and works of these pioneering natural historians, Dove provides a roadmap for reconnecting with nature and building a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270105