Natural History of the Mammalia of India and Ceylon

"Natural History of the Mammalia of India and Ceylon" by Robert Armitage Sterndale is a detailed exploration of the diverse mammals inhabiting India and Ceylon during the late 1800s. The book acts as an easy-to-understand handbook, showcasing the different animal species, their unique features, and the environments they call home. The author kicks things off by explaining why he felt the need to write this book, pointing out that there weren't many books for ordinary people about Indian mammals at the time. He gives credit to earlier scientists like Dr. Jerdon but also stresses that his writing includes his own adventures and discoveries made while exploring in nature. Sterndale adopts a friendly and casual style, making challenging scientific ideas easier to grasp while giving readers a thorough look at the lives of mammals in the area, covering famous and more obscure species, and recognizing that personal stories have a place in the study of the natural world.