​”Medical Works of the Fourteenth Century,” authored by Rev. Prof. George Henslow and published in 1899, is a significant scholarly contribution to the history of medieval medicine and botany. The book is divided into two primary sections: the first comprises annotated transcripts of four English manuscripts from the 14th century, while the second offers a comprehensive list of plants documented in contemporary writings, complete with their modern identifications. This work serves as a bridge between ancient herbal practices and contemporary botanical science, providing invaluable insights into the medical knowledge of the time.​

Henslow’s meticulous transcription and analysis of these manuscripts shed light on the medical practices prevalent during the medieval period. The annotated texts reveal the diagnostic methods, treatments, and herbal remedies employed by practitioners of the era. By comparing these historical practices with modern understanding, Henslow offers a perspective on the evolution of medical knowledge and the continuity of certain therapeutic approaches through the ages.​

The second section of the book is particularly noteworthy for its botanical significance. Henslow compiles a detailed list of plants mentioned in the 14th-century manuscripts, providing their contemporary scientific names and descriptions. This compilation not only aids in the identification of historical medicinal plants but also highlights the depth of botanical knowledge possessed by medieval healers. The inclusion of this list underscores the integral role of plant-based remedies in medieval medicine and their enduring legacy in modern herbal practices.​

“Medical Works of the Fourteenth Century” is an essential resource for historians, botanists, and herbalists interested in the intersection of medieval medicine and botany. Henslow’s scholarly approach preserves the wisdom of past generations, offering a window into the medical practices that laid the foundation for contemporary herbal medicine. The book not only documents historical knowledge but also invites readers to reflect on the continuity and adaptation of medical practices over time.