Details
RAFINESQUE, Constantine Samuel (1783-1840). Medical Flora; or Manual of the Medical Botany of the United States of North America. Philadelphia: Atkinson [vol. I] and Atkinson and Alexander [vol. II], 1828-30.
2 volumes, 8o (196 x 115 mm) 100 plates of wood engravings printed in green ink. (Scattered light foxing throughout, plate 97 torn with old repair.) Later cloth-backed marbled boards, uncut (corners worn).
FIRST EDITION. Rafinesque, the Constantinople-born "eccentric naturalist," (Audubon) was one of the most prolific and polymathic writers of his time, particularly on the flora and fishes of the eastern United States. "Beginning in 1818, with his 2,000-mile tour to the west of the Alleghenies, Rafinesque made important botanical explorations, mostly on foot, as far as Kentucky and Illinois" (DSB). Medical botany was the principal subject of his lectures during his 7 years at Transylvania University (1819-1826). In this work, of which a projected third volume was never published, Rafinesque attempted to provide a comprehensive guide of native flora for the use of American doctors and pharmacists. Although Rafinesque "had a passion for announcing new species" (DAB), his medical flora is still of historical interest as it includes a number of previously unpublished Native American remedies. Garrison-Morton 1849; Sabin 67457; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 8579; Norman 1774. (2)
2 volumes, 8
FIRST EDITION. Rafinesque, the Constantinople-born "eccentric naturalist," (Audubon) was one of the most prolific and polymathic writers of his time, particularly on the flora and fishes of the eastern United States. "Beginning in 1818, with his 2,000-mile tour to the west of the Alleghenies, Rafinesque made important botanical explorations, mostly on foot, as far as Kentucky and Illinois" (DSB). Medical botany was the principal subject of his lectures during his 7 years at Transylvania University (1819-1826). In this work, of which a projected third volume was never published, Rafinesque attempted to provide a comprehensive guide of native flora for the use of American doctors and pharmacists. Although Rafinesque "had a passion for announcing new species" (DAB), his medical flora is still of historical interest as it includes a number of previously unpublished Native American remedies. Garrison-Morton 1849; Sabin 67457; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 8579; Norman 1774. (2)