William Curtis’s 1778 publication, “Proposals for Opening by Subscription a Botanic Garden,” outlines an ambitious plan to establish the London Botanic Garden. This garden was envisioned as a resource for a diverse audience, including physicians, apothecaries, students of medicine, scientific farmers, botanists—especially English botanists—and flower enthusiasts. Curtis, an apothecary and author of “Flora Londinensis,” aimed to create a space that would serve both scientific inquiry and public education. ​

The proposal emphasized the importance of a dedicated botanical garden in London, which would facilitate the study and cultivation of plants, particularly those native to England. Curtis argued that such a garden would be instrumental in advancing medical knowledge, agricultural practices, and botanical science. By providing a centralized location for the collection and study of plants, the garden would support the work of medical professionals and scientists, while also offering educational opportunities for students and the general public.​

Curtis proposed funding the garden through a subscription model, inviting individuals and institutions to contribute financially to its establishment and maintenance. This approach aimed to foster a sense of collective ownership and responsibility among subscribers, ensuring the garden’s sustainability. The proposal included detailed plans for the garden’s layout, plant collections, and educational programs, reflecting Curtis’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and accessible resource for botanical study.​

Curtis’s proposal for the London Botanic Garden was a forward-thinking initiative that sought to enhance scientific knowledge, medical practice, and public education through the establishment of a dedicated botanical garden. By engaging a broad community of supporters and emphasizing the garden’s multifaceted benefits, Curtis laid the groundwork for a lasting institution that would contribute significantly to the fields of botany and medicine.​