A Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias by Samuel Frederick Gray, first published in 1818, is a comprehensive work that serves as a bridge between traditional herbal practices and the emerging field of pharmacology in early 19th-century Britain. Gray’s treatise is notable for its inclusion of not only the drugs and compounds used by medical practitioners but also those sold by chemists, druggists, and herbalists for various purposes. This broad scope reflects the author’s intent to provide a holistic view of the substances employed in medical and chemical practices of the time.

The book is structured to offer practical utility to its readers. It includes a collection of the most useful medical formulas, an explanation of the abbreviations commonly used by physicians and druggists, and a medical arrangement of the articles of the London Pharmacopoeia, with their doses presented at a glance. Additionally, Gray provides a list of indigenous plants of the British Isles capable of being used in medicine, thereby emphasizing the importance of local flora in medical treatments. The work also features a comprehensive index in both English and Latin, cataloging the various names by which these substances have been known at different periods, which aids in understanding the historical evolution of medical terminology.

Gray’s work is significant for its role in standardizing medical knowledge during a time when medical practices were often inconsistent and regionally varied. By compiling this information, Gray contributed to the development of a more systematic approach to pharmacology, which was essential for the advancement of medical science. His inclusion of indigenous plants also highlights an early recognition of the value of local herbal medicine, a perspective that resonates with contemporary interests in traditional and natural remedies.

A Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias is a foundational text that reflects the evolving understanding of medicine in the early 19th century. Gray’s work not only provides a practical guide for medical practitioners of his time but also offers insights into the historical context of pharmacology and the integration of herbal knowledge into medical practice. Its emphasis on both traditional herbal remedies and emerging pharmacological standards underscores the dynamic interplay between past practices and future developments in the field of medicine.