The Medical Formulary by Benjamin Ellis, first published in 1868, is a comprehensive compilation of medical prescriptions drawn from the practices of prominent physicians across America and Europe. This work serves as a valuable resource for medical professionals, offering insights into the therapeutic approaches of the 19th century. The formulary encompasses a wide array of treatments, including remedies for common ailments, surgical procedures, and antidotes for poisons, reflecting the medical knowledge and practices of the time.​

The book is structured to provide detailed formulations, dosage instructions, and preparation methods, ensuring that practitioners can accurately replicate treatments. Each prescription is accompanied by explanations of its intended effects and the rationale behind its use, offering readers a deeper understanding of the therapeutic principles guiding these treatments. Additionally, the inclusion of dietetic preparations underscores the holistic approach to health prevalent in that era, emphasizing the importance of nutrition alongside medicinal interventions.​

One of the notable aspects of Ellis’s formulary is its reflection of the medical landscape of the 19th century, capturing the transition from traditional remedies to more standardized pharmaceutical practices. While some treatments may seem outdated by today’s standards, the formulary provides historical context that enriches our understanding of the evolution of medical science. For contemporary readers, especially those interested in the history of medicine, pharmacology, or the development of medical practices, this work offers a window into the past, illustrating how medical knowledge was applied and disseminated in an earlier era.​

The Medical Formulary stands as a testament to the medical advancements of the 19th century, preserving the knowledge and practices of esteemed physicians for future generations. Its detailed prescriptions and accompanying explanations not only serve as a practical guide for medical practitioners of the time but also offer valuable insights into the historical progression of medical treatments and the enduring quest for healing.