Joseph Frank Payne’s “On the Herbarius and Hortus Sanitatis,” presented before the Bibliographical Society in 1901, offers a scholarly examination of two pivotal works in the history of herbal literature: the “Herbarius” and the “Hortus Sanitatis.” The “Herbarius,” first printed in Mainz in 1484, is one of the earliest printed herbals, focusing primarily on medicinal plants. Its successor, the “Hortus Sanitatis,” published in 1491, significantly expanded upon its predecessor by incorporating not only herbs but also animals, birds, fish, and stones, thereby providing a comprehensive natural history encyclopedia of the late Middle Ages.

Payne delves into the origins, content, and impact of these works, highlighting their role in disseminating botanical and medicinal knowledge during a time when such information was primarily transmitted through manuscripts. He discusses the “Hortus Sanitatis” in detail, noting its division into several sections: “De Herbis” (on herbs), “De Animalibus” (on animals), “De Avibus” (on birds), “De Piscibus” (on fish), and “De Lapidibus” (on stones), along with an appendix on uroscopy. Each section is richly illustrated with woodcuts, many of which are reused from earlier works, yet the “Hortus Sanitatis” also introduced new images, enhancing its appeal and utility.

The work is notable for its detailed woodcut illustrations, which not only depict the subjects discussed but also often include scenes of their use in human activities. These illustrations serve as a visual guide to the text, making the “Hortus Sanitatis” an invaluable resource for understanding medieval perceptions of the natural world. Payne’s analysis underscores the significance of these illustrations in conveying contemporary knowledge and beliefs about nature and medicine.

Payne’s paper provides a thorough bibliographical study of two seminal works in the history of herbal literature. By examining the content, illustrations, and historical context of the “Herbarius” and the “Hortus Sanitatis,” he illuminates their contributions to the dissemination of botanical and medicinal knowledge in the late Middle Ages. His work remains a valuable resource for scholars interested in the history of herbalism and medieval natural history.