While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Purging Buckthorn WDV114 $45
Each print measures approximately 7 inches by 9 inches.

William Woodville was an English Quaker physician who created Medical Botany to provide more modern descriptions and illustrations of all the plants in the Royal College of Physician’s list of “material medica” or plants used in medicine. The illustrations for the beautifully hand colored engravings were by the master botanical illustrator, James Sowerby. This work is a fascinating glimpse at the practice of medicine in the late 18th century, with the pharmacopoeia of the day consisting entirely of herbs and plants. It was the original Physician’s Desk Reference and the standard work for most of the 19th century. Each plant is carefully described from a botanical and medical perspective.

References include: Cleveland’s Treasures from the World of Botanical Literature, p 25.

We are pleased to offer prints from this rare & beautiful hand colored work, with each measuring approximately 7 inches by 9 inches. The prints are hand colored engravings of the beauty and artistry so typical of Sowerby. The hand colouring of this copy is probably the best we have ever seen, fine and delicate. The paper is strong handmade wove paper, without imperfections. The plates are in excellent condition with no foxing at all, strong plate marks and inscribed with the plant names in beautiful copperplate, along with the 1790’s date. The prints are very clean & the paper soft white, as can be seen in the photos. There are many unusual and beautiful images. The prints are in remarkable condition for a work that is over 200 years old and a wonderful part of the history of the evolution of medicine. Even today, about 25% of our pharmaceuticals are still derived from botanicals.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $8.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. International shipping is $25 for any number of prints and buyers are responsible for all customs duties. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, or send email to panteek@aol.com