“Periculum Medicum de Utilitate Plantarum Quarundam Svecicarum” is a botanical dissertation authored by Ericus Acrel and presented at Uppsala University in 1813. The work is notable for its scholarly approach to the medicinal properties of certain Swedish plants, reflecting the growing interest in medical botany during the early 19th century. Under the guidance of Carl Peter Thunberg, a prominent figure in botany, Acrel’s dissertation contributes to the understanding of local flora’s therapeutic potential.
The dissertation is structured to align with the academic standards of Uppsala University’s Faculty of Medicine. It presents a detailed examination of selected Swedish plants, focusing on their medicinal uses and the rationale behind their application in treating various ailments. Acrel’s work is characterized by a methodical approach, combining empirical observations with classical medical knowledge, which was typical of the scholarly practices of the time.
Although the dissertation is relatively concise, it serves as a significant example of early 19th-century medical botany. It reflects the era’s emphasis on empirical research and the integration of local natural resources into medical practice. “Periculum Medicum de Utilitate Plantarum Quarundam Svecicarum” is a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of medical botany and the academic traditions of Uppsala University during that period.