This page is limited to 2000 characters; please refer to the FAQ on the group website for fuller details of the list's policies.

List Description:
Medbeast-L is an academic list devoted to the study of fauna in medieval culture, including but not limited to: literature (for example, bestiaries and fables); arts (for example, heraldry); hunting, hawking, fishing, gladiation, and baiting; domestication, animal husbandry, and veterinary science. Our definition of "fauna" will encompass real and mythical creatures and the monstrous races.The dates which delineate the "medieval" period are variable from one culture to another, and will be interpreted loosely. For the purposes of European materials, the period will be understood to extend from the later classical to the renaissance periods; when in doubt, the policy is to be inclusive.

Subjects which will *not* be debated on this list include, but are not limited to: hunting, pro or con; the American NRA or gun politics; vegetarianism or veganism; vivisection or animal experimentation; and so on. The list is intended to facilitate productive academic discussion among people whose politics may vary, and so arguing about such "hot-button" topics is not permitted (except in the context of academic discussion of, for example, the historical development of concern about cruelty to animals).

Membership Policy:
Because this is an academic list which aspires to a high signal-to-noise ratio, only academically affiliated subscribers over the age of 17 will automatically be approved for membership (for example, a student enrolled in higher education would be eligible). Independent scholars and other interested over-17 adults will be approved routinely, however.

Other Policies:
Subscribers should send mail (including their first and last names) describing their academic affiliation if any, and their interests. They should also agree that they will read and retain the FAQ, which contains more detail.