A New Family Herbal (1810)

An old slightly worn title page that reads: A NEW FAMILY HERBAL: Or POPULAR ACCOUNT OF THE NATURES AND PROPERTIES OF THE VARIOUS PLANTS USED IN MEDICINE, DIET, AND THE ARTS BY ROBERT JOHN THORNTON, M.D. Below this reads: LECTURES ON BOTANY AT GUY’S HOSPITAL, &e, &e. Below this reads: THE PLANTS DRAWN FROM NATURE BY HENDERSON AND ENGRAVED ON WOOD BY THOMAS BEWICK. There are two lines below this, and at the bottom of the page reads: LONDON: PRINTED FOR RICHARD PHILLIPS, BRIDGESTREET, BLACKFRIARS; AND MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS. Below is a single horizontal line and the year: 1810

Some of the earliest literature ever created were called Herbals or Herbaria. These writings were encyclopedic records of herbs, including scientific information, history, and medicinal uses. Herbals were done on scrolls, manuscripts, codices, or even loose sheets of paper. Once books became more commonly available, this information was collected into volumes that were kept in the household, and this type of book was called a Family Herbal. These writings would include highly detailed illustrations to show the physical properties of the plants and herbs. One such volume is A New Family Herbal: Or Popular Account of the Nature and Properties of the Various Plants used in Medicine, Diet, and The Arts by Robert John Thornton, MD. Though Thornton studied medicine, his true passion was botany, and the lengths of his knowledge and research are on full display with this extensive 900 page tome. The drawings were done by Henderson, and engraved on wood by Thomas Bewick. The copy located in USM Special Collections has been rebound in boards and half-leather, with a leather spine over marble boards.

To view the book, visit McCain Library Room 305 Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions about this item or Special Collections' cookbooks, contact Andrew Rhodes at or 601.266.6765.

Written by Andrew Rhodes, Special Collections Specialist.