​”The Uses of Plants” by George Simonds Boulger, first published in 1889, is a comprehensive manual of economic botany that delves into the practical applications of plants in various industries. Boulger, a renowned botanist and natural historian, offers insights into how plants have been utilized in food production, medicine, construction, and other sectors, particularly focusing on those introduced in the preceding fifty years. This work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of plant life and human industry during the late 19th century.​

The book is systematically organized into chapters that cover a wide range of plant-derived products. Boulger begins with an overview of the progress in economic botany, highlighting significant developments between 1837 and 1887. He then categorizes plants based on their uses, including foodstuffs, medicinal substances, oils and oilseeds, gums and resins, dyes and tanning materials, fibers and paper materials, timber, agricultural plants, and other miscellaneous products. Each plant is presented with its common and botanical names, followed by a concise description of its properties and uses. This structured approach makes the book an accessible reference for both scholars and practitioners in the field of botany and related disciplines.​

Boulger’s work is not merely a catalog of plant uses; it also reflects the scientific and industrial advancements of his time. By documenting the introduction and commercialization of various plant products, the book provides a snapshot of the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world during the late 19th century. The inclusion of both general and synoptical indexes further enhances its utility as a reference work. For those interested in the historical context of economic botany, Boulger’s “The Uses of Plants” offers a detailed and informative account.​