In sense (a) after post-classical Latinzoosophia (1648 in the passage translated in quot. 1662); in sense after (b)GermanZoosophie (1831 in the passage translated in quot. 1847).
Meaning & use
Obsolete.
1662–1848
The knowledge or study of animals; spec.(a) animal husbandry;(b) the branch of biology concerned with animals and their development; zoology.
In sense (b) only with reference to the terminology of Lorenz Oken (1779–1851); cf. phytosophyn.
1662
The other Son..noted the properties and Societies of living Creatures; whence by the undoubted hope of a Flock, a quiet life is led: This indeed, was Zoosophie [Latin zoosophia] or the wisdom of keeping living Creatures together.
J. Chandler, translation of J. B. van Helmont, Oriatrike 163
1847
Biology, therefore, divides into Organogeny, Phytosophy and Zoosophy[German Zoosophie].
A. Tulk, translation of L. Oken, Elements of Physiophilosophy 3
1848
Zoösophy, inquiring into the development of animals.