Flore Médicale Volume 1, published in 1833, is a foundational work in the field of medical botany. Authored by François Pierre Chaumeton, Jean-Baptiste Joseph Tyrbas de Chamberet, and Jean-Louis-Marie Poiret, and illustrated by Pierre Jean François Turpin and Ernestine Panckoucke, this volume represents a collaborative effort to document the medicinal properties of plants. The book combines detailed botanical descriptions with hand-colored illustrations, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding the therapeutic uses of various plants. Its publication during the 19th century reflects a period when the study of plants was integral to medical practice, and it continues to be a valuable reference for those interested in the historical applications of herbal medicine. ​

The structure of Volume 1 is methodical, covering a range of plants from Absinthe to Basilic. Each entry includes the plant’s botanical characteristics, habitat, and known medicinal uses. The authors aimed to bridge the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and emerging scientific approaches to medicine. The inclusion of precise illustrations enhances the reader’s ability to identify plants accurately, which was crucial for practitioners and scholars of the time. The meticulous attention to detail in both text and imagery underscores the importance placed on accuracy and reliability in medical botany.​

Flore Médicale Volume 1 not only serves as a scientific text but also as a cultural artifact, reflecting the medical and botanical knowledge of its era. It provides insight into the historical context of plant-based medicine and the evolution of pharmacological studies. The collaboration among botanists, physicians, and artists in this work exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry during the 19th century. The book’s enduring relevance is evident in its continued use as a reference for historians, botanists, and herbalists interested in the origins and development of medicinal plant use.​

Flore Médicale Volume 1 is a testament to the rich tradition of botanical medicine. Its comprehensive approach to documenting the medicinal properties of plants, combined with detailed illustrations, makes it a significant contribution to the field. The work reflects a time when the study of plants was deeply intertwined with medical practice, and it continues to offer valuable insights into the historical foundations of herbal medicine. As such, it remains an essential resource for understanding the legacy and progression of medical botany.