Cabinet of Curiosities: Collecting and Understanding the Wonders of the Natural World

Cabinet of Curiosities is an illustrated guide for young people interested in collecting natural objects and exploring nature. Gordon Grice, a nature writer who began his own collection at age six with a skunk's skull, introduces readers to natural history and amateur science. The book covers how scientists classify living things using the Linnaeus system, how to distinguish real gold from fool's gold, and preservation techniques for butterflies, crab shells, feathers, robin's eggs, spider specimens, and honeycombs. It also includes guidance on identifying seashells, understanding the difference between antlers and horns, and reading animal tracks. The final section addresses what to do with collected specimens, including instructions for building a cabinet of curiosities from everyday household items such as desk organizers or fishing tackle boxes.