The “Botanical Magazine Index” is a comprehensive reference work that catalogues the extensive content of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, one of the longest-running and most respected botanical publications in the world. First published in 1787 by William Curtis, the magazine aimed to bridge the gap between scientific botany and ornamental horticulture. It featured meticulously hand-colored illustrations of plants, accompanied by detailed descriptions, including their classification, origin, and cultivation information. This approach made the magazine an invaluable resource for both scientists and gardening enthusiasts.​

The index, compiled by W. Botting Hemsley in 1906, serves as a vital tool for researchers and historians, offering insights into the magazine’s extensive content over more than a century. It includes a history of the magazine and an alphabetical listing of plant names, facilitating easy access to information on various plant species featured in the publication. This resource underscores the magazine’s enduring legacy and its role in documenting plant diversity and horticultural practices.​

In essence, the “Botanical Magazine Index” not only preserves the rich history of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine but also continues to inspire contemporary botanical research and art. By providing detailed information on plant species and cultivation methods, it bridges the past and present, offering valuable knowledge to those interested in the natural world.