“Herbal in the Tradition of Dioscorides” is a 15th-century Greek manuscript that reflects the enduring legacy of Pedanius Dioscorides’ seminal work, De Materia Medica. This manuscript, housed at the University of Pennsylvania’s Kislak Center, serves as a testament to the continuity of ancient botanical knowledge through the Byzantine era. The text comprises 679 chapters, detailing the medicinal properties of various plants, and is preceded by a prologue and a table of contents. It attributes its content to Dioscorides, Galen, and Isocrates, indicating the collaborative nature of ancient medical scholarship.

The manuscript’s layout is distinctive, organizing plant descriptions by their therapeutic applications rather than by disease categories. This approach underscores the practical utility of the herbal in everyday medical practice. The text is accompanied by 71 pen-and-wash illustrations, providing visual representations of the plants discussed. Notably, folio 4v features an illustration of Dioscorides and Galen engaged in a scholarly discussion, highlighting the manuscript’s connection to classical medical traditions. These illustrations not only serve as artistic embellishments but also function as educational tools, aiding in the identification and understanding of medicinal plants.

Written in Greek cursive minuscule script, the manuscript is bound in a 17th-century Greek blind-stamped calf, reflecting the preservation efforts of subsequent generations. The presence of early pagination and the use of red ink for headings and captions further enhance the manuscript’s scholarly presentation. Despite the passage of time, the “Herbal in the Tradition of Dioscorides” remains a valuable resource for historians and scholars interested in the transmission of medical knowledge from antiquity through the Byzantine period.

This manuscript exemplifies the enduring influence of ancient Greek medical texts and their adaptation over centuries. It bridges the gap between classical antiquity and the medieval period, showcasing the continuity and evolution of botanical and medicinal knowledge. Through its detailed descriptions and illustrations, the “Herbal in the Tradition of Dioscorides” offers a glimpse into the medical practices and botanical understanding of the 15th-century Eastern Mediterranean, preserving the wisdom of the past for future generations.