Epimedium, Eryngium, Eupatorium, Euphorbia, Green's Herbal antique print c1817

by Green, Thomas

Epimedium alpinum - Barrenwort. Eryngium maritinum - Sea Eringo. Eupatorium Cannabinum - Hemp Agrimony. Euphorbia neriifolia - Oleander-leaved Spurge.
What a great name "Spurge" is! A prickly specimen by any name - as is the wonderful thistle, top right. Not related to Hemp, Cannabis, or Agrimony, Eupatorium Cannabinum is used as a Detoxifying Herb for Fevers. And just so that it is not left out, I must say that Barrenwort, or Horny Goat Weed, is an important herb to the Chinese, who call it "yin yang huo".

Rare original copperplate engraving from Green's Universal Herbal - The Universal Herbal, or, Botanical, Medical and Agricultural Dictionary by Thomas Green, published by Nuttall, Fisher & Dixon, Liverpool, England in 1816.

This important work contained all the known plants in the World, each arranged according to the Linnaean system, and specified the Uses to which they are or may be applied, whether as Food, as Medicine, or in the Arts and Manufacture. The copperplate engravings for this work were some of the finest botanical specimens engraved in the early part of the 19th century. 

The lovely hand-colour, is early, but not from the time of publication. It certainly adds to the decorativeness of the engraving. Size of the engraving is 25 x 21 cm (10 x 8.5 inches).