Economic Botany Collections

Selection of crude drugs from the Maton Collection

These jars from the Maton Collection hold a variety of plant parts used in medicine preparation in the early 19th century. The following medicinal uses for these plants come from Theophilus Redwood’s Supplement to the Pharmacopoeia (1857). From left to right they are:

PAPAVERACEAE Cordyalis cava. The roots of the hollow root plant were primarily used as an external treatment for tumours. EBC 78452

IRIDACEAE Crocus sativus. The stigma of saffron is said to stimulate the stomach when taken in moderate doses. In large quantities it excites the vascular system. It can also have an effect on the cerebra-spinal system. It was and still is used as a yellow dye and to add flavouring to food. EBC 78362

ROSACEAE Mespilus germanica. The berries of the medlar plant are described as extremely astringent. The leaves and seeds could be used in detersive (cleansing) gargles. EBC 78332

LABIATEAE Salvia officinalis. Sage leaves contained heating properties and could be used to treat palsy (paralysis). They could also be used to alleviate night sweats and stop the flow of breast milk after weaning. A tea made from sage leaves could aid in the digestion of rich or greasy meats. EBC 78350

ARISTOLOCHIACEAE Aristolochia serpentaria. Snakeroot could be used as an antiseptic, a diaphoretic and for creating heat. When an infusion of the powdered root was taken regularly, it could treat the bites of snakes and rabid dogs. It was also used to settle indigestion. EBC 78482

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