Hortus Peruvanius Medicinalis, also known as The South-Sea Herbal, is a significant botanical work authored by James Petiver and published in 1715. This early 18th-century text serves as a comprehensive catalog of medicinal plants discovered in the South Seas, particularly those identified by Père Louis Feuillée, a French botanist and herbalist. The book is notable for its detailed illustrations and descriptions of various plant species, including their names, uses, and medicinal properties, offering valuable insights into the flora of the region during that period.

The work is divided into two main sections. The first focuses on the medicinal plants documented by Père Feuillée, providing detailed accounts of their therapeutic applications. The second section expands the scope to include illustrations and descriptions of American gum trees, dying woods, and other drugs, such as the Jesuit’s bark tree. These additions were deemed essential for individuals engaged in trade or residing in the South Seas, as they offered practical knowledge for identifying and utilizing local plant resources.

Petiver’s compilation is significant not only for its botanical content but also for its role in the dissemination of botanical knowledge during the pre-Linnaean era. The book reflects the growing interest in the study of plants and their medicinal uses, contributing to the foundation of modern medical botany. Its detailed illustrations and descriptions provided a valuable resource for botanists, herbalists, and traders of the time, facilitating the exchange of botanical knowledge across continents.

Hortus Peruvanius Medicinalis stands as an important historical document that bridges the gap between traditional herbal practices and the emerging field of medical botany. Its detailed accounts of South Sea plants and their uses offer a glimpse into the early efforts to catalog and understand the medicinal properties of plants, highlighting the enduring value of botanical knowledge in human history.