“Hortus Peruvianus Medicinalis,” also known as “The South-Sea Herbal,” is a seminal work published in 1715 by James Petiver, an esteemed English apothecary and Fellow of the Royal Society. This publication serves as a comprehensive catalog of medicinal plants discovered in South America, particularly Peru, during the early 18th century. The book is notable for its detailed descriptions and illustrations of various plants, their uses, and their significance in both local and European contexts. Petiver’s work reflects the burgeoning interest in natural history and the global exchange of botanical knowledge during the Age of Enlightenment.

The herbal is organized to provide readers with the names, figures, and uses of diverse medicinal plants recently discovered by Père Louis Feuillée, a French botanist and explorer. Petiver expands upon Feuillée’s findings by including illustrations and descriptions of American gum trees, dyeing woods, and drugs such as the Jesuits’ bark tree, known for its antimalarial properties. The inclusion of these plants underscores the economic and medicinal importance of South American flora to European traders and settlers. The detailed illustrations serve not only as scientific documentation but also as practical guides for those involved in the collection and trade of these valuable resources.

Petiver’s work is situated within the broader context of pre-Linnaean botanical literature, where classification systems were still in development. His meticulous documentation reflects the empirical approach of the time, emphasizing observation and description over theoretical frameworks. The herbal also highlights the collaborative nature of botanical exploration, drawing upon the knowledge of indigenous peoples, European explorers, and fellow scientists. This synthesis of information exemplifies the interconnectedness of global knowledge systems and the role of colonial enterprises in facilitating scientific discovery.

“Hortus Peruvianus Medicinalis” stands as a testament to the rich botanical diversity of South America and its profound impact on European medicine and commerce. Petiver’s detailed accounts and illustrations provide valuable insights into the early modern understanding of medicinal plants and their applications. The work not only serves as a historical document of scientific inquiry but also as a reflection of the complex interplay between exploration, trade, and knowledge production in the early 18th century.