The Scientific Vision of Women

Elizabeth Simpson Blackwell’s stunning botanical, published between 1737 and 1739, is significant for many reasons, including being the first herbal created and produced by a British woman. Accompanying her informative and accessible text are her exquisitely drawn and engraved hand-colored illustrations. Blackwell’s interest and aptitude in drawing, especially plants, from a young age proved useful and profitable. In 1733, she married Alexander Blackwell, a questionable character with even more questionable business practices. One of the outcomes from A curious herbal included paying off her husband’s debts and supporting her family.

Blackwell’s herbal includes five hundred illustrations and short descriptive text for each item. Her botanical was issued in parts. Once a week, a page of description and four accompanying illustrations were provided to subscribers over 125 weeks.

Label by Rachel Ingold