"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopaedic work published in AD 77. This final volume forms part of the largest single work surviving from the Roman Empire, spanning 37 books across diverse subjects from astronomy to precious stones. Pliny compiled knowledge from ancient authors to recreate the natural world in literary form, viewing nature as divine and created to serve humanity. Written during nights between his duties as imperial administrator, this monumental work influenced encyclopaedias for centuries to come.