An essay towards a natural history of serpents

A systematic natural history first examines serpents' forms, sizes, colors, movement, diet, reproduction, coverings and venoms, including accounts of poisonous substances and remedies, and notes on their use as food and medicine. A second part catalogues known species from different regions, giving names, qualities, and engraved plates. A third section offers six dissertations that connect serpents to religious and cultural subjects — the primeval serpent, fiery serpents, the brazen serpent, serpent worship and its origins, and the adoration of animals in Egypt and elsewhere — with historical anecdotes and theological and philosophical digressions throughout.