Parva Naturalia

Description

The Parva Naturalia by Aristotle – translated by William David Ross – is a collection of works from the esteemed Greek philosopher and scientist outlining a number of physical sensations and experiences, such as sleep, youth, longevity and death. The book can be considered as a somewhat reinstated version of Aristotle’s work being a fresh, reissued collection of the treaties from the Oxford University Press archives.

Aristotle starts by touching upon sensitive and insightful aspects of human consciousness that are still not fully understood today. He begins by talking about the senses and sensations experienced through human touch, vision, hearing, taste and smell. He later presents a variety of issues and details linked to memory, sleep and dreaming, including the concept of divination in sleep.

The last treaty, and one of the most insightful, as well as existential works produced by the renowned philosopher, includes his ideas and opinions on human life. The treaty touches upon youth, the process of life, old age and death in a manner that was seldom seen in that era.

Although many of Aristotle’s observations and understandings are considered now to be far outdated, his style, approach and scientific attitude towards all aspects of life are portrayed quite faithfully through this work.

Blending his philosophical ideals with his sharp understanding of biology, Aristotle correctly recognized all life to be fully dependent on the maintenance of the heart, while also suggesting various natural causes as the main basis for the nature of dreams, and emphasizing the important roles played by memory and perception in the understanding of all facets of life.

Ultimately, Aristotle was often portrayed as a philosophical and scientific visionary, far ahead of his time, and this work of art definitely proves many aspects of that claim as true.
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