Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which materials are examined in Books XXXIII through XXXVII of Natural History?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder.
In Books XXXIII through XXXVII of his Natural History, Pliny the Elder examines minerals, precious stones, and metals, particularly those utilized by Roman craftsmen. These volumes are categorized as covering geology and mineralogy.12
In his descriptions of these materials, Pliny also provides significant historical and cultural context by referencing famous artists, their creations, and various Roman architectural styles and technology.1