​”A Series of Botanical Tables, and Tables of the Materia Medica” by W.K. Toase, published in 1835, is a meticulously crafted educational resource aimed at students preparing for examinations at Apothecaries’ Hall. This concise yet comprehensive work serves as a bridge between botanical science and medical practice, offering a systematic arrangement of medicinal plants recognized in the pharmacopoeias of the time. The book is distinguished by its inclusion of numerous wood engravings and four colored medico-botanical maps of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, which illustrate the geographical distribution of pharmacologically significant plants. ​

Toase’s work is organized into detailed tables that categorize plants based on their medicinal properties and uses. This structured approach facilitates easier comprehension and memorization for students. The tables encompass a wide range of information, including the botanical names of plants, their physical characteristics, active constituents, and therapeutic applications. By presenting this information in a tabular format, Toase enables students to draw connections between different plants and their uses in medicine, fostering a deeper understanding of materia medica.​

The inclusion of colored maps is a notable feature of this work, providing a visual representation of the global distribution of medicinal plants. These maps not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the book but also serve as an educational tool, helping students to appreciate the geographical origins and diversity of the plants studied. Such visual aids are instrumental in contextualizing the information presented in the tables, making the learning experience more engaging and comprehensive.​

Toase’s “A Series of Botanical Tables, and Tables of the Materia Medica” stands as a valuable historical document that reflects the educational methodologies and botanical knowledge of the early 19th century. Its systematic presentation of information, combined with illustrative engravings and maps, exemplifies the pedagogical strategies employed to teach complex subjects effectively. This work not only served as a practical guide for students of its time but also contributes to our understanding of the evolution of botanical and medical education.​