In De Partibus Animalium I Aristotle sets out his philosophy of biology, discussing cause, necessity, soul, genus, and species, definition by logical division, and general methodology. In De Generatione Animalium I he applies his hylomorphic philosophy to the problem of animal reproduction. The translation is close, and includes passages from De Generatione Animalium II which complete Aristotle's theory of reproduction. The notes interpret Aristotle's arguments and discuss his views on major issues such as natural teleology.

In "History of Animals," Aristotle analyzes differences in parts, activities, modes of life, and character across the animal kingdom, in preparation for establishing their causes, which are the concern of his other zoological works. Over 500 species of animals are considered: shellfish, insects, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals including human beings. In Books I IV, Aristotle gives a comparative survey of internal and external body parts, including tissues and fluids, and of sense faculties and voice. Books V VI study reproductive methods, breeding habits, and embryogenesis as...

This volume presents a new critical edition of the Greek text of Historia Animalium, Aristotle's largest and least studied work, by one of the foremost scholars of Aristotle's biological works and their philosophical significance. This posthumous edition has been completed for publication, with its Introduction expanded and updated, by Allan Gotthelf in consultation with specialists on various aspects of the project. Based on a study of every surviving manuscript, this edition is a considerable advance on previous texts.