A Synopsis; Or, Systematic Catalogue of the Medicinal Plants of the United States, authored by Asahel Clapp and published in 1852, stands as a significant work in the field of medical botany. This comprehensive catalog was presented to the American Medical Association during its May 1852 session and later published in its Transactions. The book offers an extensive inventory of medicinal plants native to the United States, serving as a crucial reference for physicians, botanists, and pharmacists of the time.​

Clapp’s work systematically organizes plants by their botanical classifications, detailing their genera and species, and providing insights into their medicinal properties and applications. The catalog includes a list of author abbreviations, a table of orders, and indices of both generic and common names, as well as an index of diseases. This structure facilitates easy navigation and reference, reflecting the meticulous effort invested in its compilation.​

The publication of this catalog during the mid-19th century coincided with a period of burgeoning interest in the medicinal properties of native plants. Clapp’s systematic approach provided a foundational text for the study and application of herbal medicine in the United States, bridging traditional knowledge with emerging scientific inquiry. His work not only documented existing uses of medicinal plants but also encouraged further exploration and validation of their therapeutic potential.​

Today, Clapp’s catalog remains a valuable historical document, offering insights into the early practices of medical botany and the integration of herbal remedies in American healthcare. Its preservation and continued accessibility underscore the enduring relevance of traditional botanical knowledge in contemporary medical and botanical studies.