Natural history or histories of nature: Perspectives on English natural history in the seventeenth century

I explore the cultural conditions which enabled natural history to become established and prosper in the seventeenth century by examining the works of the natural philosopher, John Ray (1627-1705), against the background of earlier literary traditions and the prevailing empirical orientation of the late seventeenth century. While Ray's emphasis on matters of fact and observation position him among the virtuosi of the Royal Society, his literary and historical interests ally him with humanist scholars. Many of Ray's most popular works lie outside the modern disciplinary boundaries of natural history and have received little attention. I suggest that explanations of Ray's development as a virtuoso are incomplete without an examination of these scholarly works, which integrate the practices, assumptions and intentions of classical scholars. My analysis of John Ray's work questions the interpretation of seventeenth century as a radical rupture with earlier traditions and practices.