​The “Specification of Alexander Melville Clark – Medicinal Compounds” is a concise yet significant work that offers a glimpse into the medicinal practices of its time. Published by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode, this six-page document serves as a testament to the meticulous documentation and formulation of medicinal compounds during an era when herbal medicine played a pivotal role in healthcare. The book is housed within the World Herb Library, a repository dedicated to preserving historical texts on herbal medicine.

While the specific contents of the book are not detailed in the available information, its inclusion in the World Herb Library suggests that it encompasses formulations and specifications of various medicinal compounds. Such documents were essential for standardizing treatments and ensuring consistency in the preparation of remedies. They provided practitioners with guidelines on the composition, dosage, and application of herbal medicines, reflecting a systematic approach to healthcare that combined empirical knowledge with traditional practices.​

The brevity of the document does not diminish its value; instead, it highlights the efficiency and clarity with which medical knowledge was communicated. In an age before the proliferation of extensive pharmacopoeias, concise specifications like this were crucial for disseminating information among practitioners. They served as quick references that could be easily consulted, ensuring that treatments were administered correctly and safely.​

Preserving such works is vital for understanding the evolution of medical science. They offer insights into the foundational principles that guided early practitioners and underscore the importance of documentation in the advancement of healthcare. The “Specification of Alexander Melville Clark – Medicinal Compounds” stands as a valuable artifact, bridging the gap between traditional herbal practices and the structured methodologies that would later define modern medicine.