A Contribution to South African Materia Medica by Andrew Smith of St Cyrus is a significant work in the field of ethnobotany, focusing on the medicinal plants used by indigenous South African communities. Originally published in 1885 as a modest 23-page pamphlet, the book expanded to a comprehensive 240-page volume in its third edition, reflecting the wealth of information gathered from various contributors across the Eastern Cape .​

Smith, a Scottish educator with a deep interest in botany, compiled this work to document the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, many of which had been used for generations. The book includes detailed descriptions of plant-based remedies for various ailments, such as snakebites, anthrax, and digestive disorders. Smith’s collaboration with notable figures like Dr. JF Soga, South Africa’s first qualified veterinary surgeon, and WW Gqoba, a prominent Xhosa writer, enriched the content with authentic indigenous perspectives .​

The text serves not only as a botanical reference but also as a cultural document, offering insights into the societal context in which these remedies were applied. Smith’s observations provide a window into the daily lives and health practices of the communities he studied. The book’s structure includes chapters on various health issues, detailing both the symptoms and the traditional treatments employed, thereby preserving a valuable aspect of South African heritage .​

In 2011, a facsimile edition was published by Rhodes University’s Cory Library, featuring an introduction by Tony Dold and Michelle Cocks, experts in the social and medicinal uses of indigenous plants. This edition contextualizes Smith’s work within the broader history of South African medicinal plant studies and highlights the ongoing relevance of indigenous knowledge in contemporary medicine .​