Theatre of the World

View in the Rubenstein Library Catalog

John Gerard’s The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes is one of the most significant botanical works of the English Renaissance. First published in 1597, it is an extensive catalog of plants, detailing their medicinal, culinary, and horticultural uses. The book not only reflects the botanical knowledge of the late 16th century but also serves as a window into early scientific inquiry, global plant exchange, and the development of English herbal medicine.

What It Is & How It Was Made

Gerard, a London-based herbalist and surgeon, compiled the Herball as a practical guide to plants and their applications, drawing upon both classical sources and his own horticultural experience. The book is notable for including plants newly introduced to England from the Americas and Asia, reflecting England’s expanding global connections.

However, the Herball was not entirely original. Much of its content was derived from a 1578 Latin herbal by Rembert Dodoens, translated into English by Henry Lyte. Additionally, many of the woodcut illustrations were taken from earlier continental botanical works, particularly those of the Flemish botanist Matthias de L'Obel.

Who Used It & How Far It Reached

The Herball was one of the most widely read botanical books in early modern England, appealing to physicians, apothecaries, and amateur gardeners alike. It was printed in a large folio format, making it a luxury item for wealthier readers, though it was practical enough to be used as a reference book by herbalists and medical practitioners.

Despite some scientific shortcomings, it remained a highly influential text, with later editions published in 1633 and 1636, the latter revised and expanded by Thomas Johnson, a more rigorous botanist. The book’s continued popularity well into the 17th century attests to its importance in the development of English botany and medicine.

What It Depicts & What It Tries to Show

The Herball provides:

• Descriptions of over 1,000 plants, detailing their medicinal properties, edible uses, and cultivation methods.
• Illustrations of hundreds of species, though some were copied inaccurately from earlier European sources.
• Newly introduced plants from the Americas, such as potatoes and tobacco, which Gerard described from firsthand observation.

The book was as much a practical medical guide as it was a scientific text, intended to help physicians and laypeople identify and use plants for healing purposes.

Challenges & Considerations

• Accuracy & Scientific Limitations
  While Gerard was an experienced gardener, he was not a trained botanist, and many of his plant descriptions were borrowed from earlier sources. As a result, the book contains some misidentifications and errors, reflecting the early stage of botanical science at the time.
• The Influence of Classical and Folk Medicine
  Gerard’s work was heavily influenced by Galenic and humoral medical theory, as well as medieval herbal traditions. Many of his plant remedies were based on longstanding beliefs rather than empirical testing, illustrating the slow transition from pre-modern herbalism to more systematic botanical science.
• The Impact of Global Plant Exchange
  The Herball is an important document in the history of plant migration and early globalization. Gerard described newly imported species from the Americas and Asia, offering one of the first English accounts of plants like potatoes, maize, and tobacco. However, his descriptions often reflect European biases, interpreting these plants through the lens of classical and medieval botanical traditions rather than indigenous knowledge.

Why It Matters

Despite its flaws, The Herball remains one of the most important works in the history of English botany. It represents a critical moment in the shift from medieval herbalism to early modern botanical science, while also reflecting England’s expanding engagement with the wider world through trade, exploration, and colonization. Its influence on medicine, horticulture, and the study of plants ensured that it remained a valued reference work for generations.