William Woodville’s “Medical Botany: Or, History of Plants in the Materia Medica” is a seminal work in the field of medical botany, offering comprehensive descriptions and illustrations of medicinal plants recognized by the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London and Edinburgh. Volume 2 of this series, published in 1822, continues this endeavor by detailing various plants, both indigenous and exotic, that were integral to medical practices of the time.

In this volume, Woodville meticulously catalogs each plant, providing systematic descriptions that include botanical characteristics, natural habitats, and medicinal properties. Each entry is accompanied by a hand-colored illustration, enhancing the reader’s ability to identify and understand the plant’s morphology. For instance, plants such as Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) are discussed not only for their botanical features but also for their therapeutic applications, such as their use in treating heart conditions.

Woodville’s work reflects the medical knowledge and botanical understanding of the early 19th century. His detailed accounts of each plant’s medicinal effects and the diseases they were employed to treat provide valuable insights into historical medical practices. The inclusion of both indigenous and exotic species highlights the expanding global exchange of botanical knowledge during this period.

Volume 2 of “Medical Botany” serves as a vital historical document, illustrating the intersection of botany and medicine. Woodville’s comprehensive approach and the inclusion of detailed illustrations make this work an enduring reference for those interested in the history of medicinal plants and their applications.