Editing John Caius (section)

==Works==
Caius was also a pioneer naturalist, prepared to make his own observations about nature rather than simply relying on accepted authorities. He was ready to make journeys about the country to see and record unusual animals. As such he could be considered also a pioneer of [[zoology]], not yet recognised as a separate science.

He corresponded with the Swiss naturalist [[Conrad Gesner]], with whom he had made friends while returning from Padua. He wrote a study of British dogs to send to Gesner as a contribution (not used) to Gesner's ''[[Historiae animalium (Gesner)|Historiae animalium]]'', and also sent Gesner drawings of dogs, which were printed in later editions of Gesner's work.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ash |first=Edward C. |title=Dogs: their History and Development |publisher=Ernest Benn |location=London |date=1927}}</ref> Caius' Catholic religious convictions did not prevent his friendship with the [[Protestant]] Gesner (indeed, the ''Historiae Animalium'', to which Caius contributed, was under [[Pope Paul IV]] placed on the [[Roman Catholic Church]]'s [[Index Librorum Prohibitorum|list of prohibited books]]).<ref name ="gesner2">{{cite web|url= http://www.strangescience.net/gesner.htm|title=Conran Gesner biography|access-date= 17 September 2008 | first=Michon |last=Scott |website=Strange Science}}</ref>

His last literary production was a [[University of Cambridge#History|history of Cambridge University]], ''Historia Cantabrigiensis Academiae'' (London, 1574).