A New and Compleat Body of Practical Botanic Physic, authored by Edward Baylis in 1791, is a comprehensive exploration of the medicinal properties of plants. Baylis, a professor of botany at the Physic Gardens in Clifton near Bristol, compiled this work by drawing from esteemed sources and integrating his own observations. The book serves as a practical guide for both physicians and laypersons, detailing the therapeutic applications of various plants within the vegetable kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of regimen and diet in conjunction with botanical remedies, reflecting a holistic approach to health.​

The text is notable for its inclusion of colored copper-plate illustrations, which depict the plants in their natural hues. These visual aids not only enhance the reader’s understanding but also serve as valuable references for identifying medicinal flora. Baylis’s work underscores the significance of visual representation in the study of botany, particularly in an era when photographic documentation was unavailable.​

Structured to address a wide array of ailments, the book provides detailed descriptions of plants and their specific uses in treating various conditions. Baylis offers guidance on the preparation and administration of botanical remedies, ensuring that readers can apply the knowledge effectively. The inclusion of dietary recommendations further illustrates the interconnectedness of nutrition and medicine, a concept that remains relevant in contemporary health practices.​

Baylis’s work is a testament to the enduring value of traditional botanical knowledge. By compiling and presenting this information in an accessible format, he contributed to the preservation and dissemination of herbal medicine practices. The book stands as a significant historical document, reflecting the medical and botanical understanding of its time, and continues to be a resource for those interested in the roots of natural healing.