summary of all natural and supernatural monstrosities known at that time, including bizarre animals and physical abnormalities and abstract ideas of the mind. I. Miracles of angels and demons II. Miracles of visions (apparitions) III. Wondrous things about people IV. Wondrous things about the possessed V. Wondrous things about monsters VI. Wondrous things about freaks Books VII to XII concentrate on physical nature and phenomena. VII. Wonders of animals in general VIII. Wonders of land animals IX. Miraculous things about birds X. Miraculous things about aquatic animals XI. Miraculous things about meteorites XII. All sorts of wondrous things Impact Although he still makes some incorrect assumptions and false explanations associated with the natural world, his clear division within the encyclopedia suggests, that Schott was able to reasonably distinguish between fantasy phenomena and creatures and those found naturally. Summing up his view, he writes: I do not approve of all because I know that some are doubtful, if not false. Others are superstitious and perhaps even manifestly false. The Physica Curiosa alongside many other contemporary books of curiosities, that flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, which contained a comprehensive body of text on fanciful beliefs of the past in a single publication, turned out to serve as an excellent subject of reference that made it easier for future enlightened scientists to pinpoint, address and argue against widespread, unscientific ideas. References External links Full book scan Physica Curiosa, Pars I Physica Curiosa, Pars II Kaspar Schott, Physica curiosa The metaphorical collecting of curiosities in early modern France and Germany 1662 books Natural history books