Dragons have been a fascination of humankind for centuries. By this point in history the name represents a host of mythical creatures from all across the world, ranging from giant malevolant fire-breathing winged lizards to beneficent serpents with spiritual meaning.
One interesting take on the theme is from the tome, Serpentum, et draconum historiae libri duo, by Ulisse Aldrovandi from the 1500s contains hundreds of pages filled with illustrations and text contemplating the physiology and history of the mythical beasts. It is focused on reptilian style dragons and also includes snakes and other real reptiles.
Ulisse Aldrovandi was known as a naturalist and wrote many books and essays on topics both real and fantastical. It would have been interesting to see his collection at the height of its grandeur.
