The “Catalogue of the Medicinal Plants in the Museum of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain,” compiled by Edward Morell Holmes and published in 1878, serves as a comprehensive inventory of the medicinal plant specimens housed in the museum’s collection. This work is significant for its detailed documentation of plant species used in traditional and contemporary medicine during the late 19th century. It provides insights into the historical context of pharmacognosy and the evolving understanding of herbal medicine in Britain.

Holmes’s catalogue meticulously lists various plant specimens, categorizing them based on their medicinal properties and uses. Each entry typically includes the plant’s scientific name, common names, and descriptions of its therapeutic applications. The compilation reflects the period’s reliance on herbal remedies and the importance of botanical knowledge in pharmaceutical practices. It also highlights the intersection of science and tradition in the development of medical treatments.

The catalogue not only serves as a scientific record but also offers a glimpse into the cultural and medicinal practices of the time. It underscores the significance of botanical collections in preserving knowledge about plant-based medicines and their role in healthcare. This work is a valuable resource for historians, botanists, and those interested in the history of medicine, providing a snapshot of the botanical foundations of pharmaceutical science in Britain during the 19th century.