​”Plantae Utiliores, Volume 3″ by M. A. Burnett is a significant work in the field of economic and medicinal botany, first published in the mid-19th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive four-volume set that aims to illustrate and describe plants beneficial to humans in various practical applications. The book is particularly notable for its detailed lithographic plates, which provide visual representations of the plants discussed.​

The primary focus of Volume 3 is to showcase plants employed in the arts and medicine. Each entry typically includes a detailed botanical description, information on the plant’s uses, and a hand-colored lithograph illustrating the plant’s appearance. These illustrations serve not only as artistic representations but also as valuable tools for identification and study. The text accompanying each plate offers insights into the plant’s medicinal properties, historical uses, and cultural significance, reflecting the knowledge and practices of the time.​

The work is a testament to the scientific and artistic achievements of the era, combining botanical illustration with practical knowledge. It provides a window into the historical context of herbal medicine and the utilization of plants in various industries. While some of the medicinal applications may have evolved or been replaced by modern practices, the volume remains an important resource for understanding the foundations of botanical science and the historical relationship between humans and plants.​

“Plantae Utiliores, Volume 3” is a valuable contribution to the study of economic and medicinal botany. Its combination of detailed illustrations and descriptive text offers a comprehensive look at plants that have played significant roles in human history. For those interested in the history of herbal medicine, botanical illustration, or the practical applications of plants, this volume serves as an informative and visually rich resource.​