Mutations, Hybrids, Distortions, and Godless Monsters

First published in 1642, "Monstrorum Historia" is a 948-page manuscript detailing anomalies to the then-known animal kingdom. While many of the creatures discussed were indeed mythical, others were envisioned hybrids combining attributes from two or more species. Some explored variations of birth deformities, such as conjoined twins, while others outlined mutations of legendary monsters, such as a five-headed cyclops, as well as creatures from the Netherworld. Intended as a scientific discourse, the "gargantuan" tome was written in Latin by Ulissi Aldrovandi with numerous woodcut illustrations by Jean-Baptiste Coriolan

http://tartuffesfolly.posterous.com/mutations-hybrids-distortions-and-godless-mon