En tidigare vetenskapsinriktning omfattande studier, beskrivning och klassificering av naturobjekt (som djur, växter och mineral), motsvarande de nutida vetenskaperna zoologi, botanik och mineralogi. Under 1600-, 1700- och 1800-talen hade naturhistoria en stark ställning i utforskandet av vissa vetenskapsområden.
A former branch of knowledge embracing the study, description, and classification of natural objects (as animals, plants, and minerals) and thus including the modern sciences of zoology, botany, and mineralogy insofar as they existed at that time. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries it was much used for the generalized pursuit of certain areas of science. (Webster, 3d ed; from Dr. James H. Cassedy, NLM History of Medicine Division)
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History, Natural