​”Vegetable Materia Medica of the United States” by Dr. William P.C. Barton, first published between 1817 and 1819, stands as a pioneering work in American botanical literature. As one of the earliest American botanical publications featuring hand-colored engravings, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the medicinal plants indigenous to the United States. The work is divided into two volumes, with Volume I containing 24 hand-colored copperplate engravings and Volume II featuring 26, all based on original drawings by Barton himself.​

Barton, a naval surgeon and professor of botany at the University of Pennsylvania, meticulously compiled this work, drawing from his extensive botanical studies and herborizing expeditions. The text provides detailed botanical descriptions, general histories, and medical applications of various plants, serving as both a scientific reference and a practical guide for medical practitioners of the time . The inclusion of hand-colored engravings not only enhances the visual appeal of the work but also aids in the accurate identification of plants, reflecting Barton’s commitment to precision and education.​

This publication holds significant historical value, marking a critical step in the development of American medical botany. It reflects the early 19th-century efforts to catalog and understand the diverse flora of the United States, many of which had been utilized in indigenous and folk medicine. By documenting these plants, Barton contributed to the foundation of a national pharmacopeia, influencing future botanical studies and medicinal practices in America.​

“Vegetable Materia Medica of the United States” is more than just a botanical catalog; it is a testament to the intersection of art, science, and medicine in early American history. Through its detailed illustrations and comprehensive descriptions, it provides invaluable insights into the medicinal plants of the United States, preserving knowledge that continues to inform and inspire botanical studies today.