Seminar on Herbal illustration and identification at Kew -18 June 2014

British Library MS Harley 3736/10r. Charlemagne and the plant Carlina

This is a heads up for any of my herby friends (or arty or historically minded ones) who might like to attend.

Illustration and Identification in the History of Herbal Medicine

18 June 2014

Organized by Anne Stobart (Herbal History Research Network) and  Frances Watkins (University of East London, UK)

Jodrell Lecture Theatre
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond TW9 3DS
United Kingdom

The aim of this day seminar on Wednesday 18th June 2014 is to bring together researchers to explore issues related to plant illustration and identification in the history of herbal medicine. Correct identification of plants in the past has been of great importance, whether for foods, medicines or other purposes. But to what extent did people in medieval and early modern times learn about plants with medicinal uses from illustrations in herbals or elsewhere? Matters of interest include ways in which illustrations were produced, the role of illustrations, dissemination of information about plant identification, significant observers of plants and their approaches to plant description. This day seminar at Kew Botanic Gardens near London, UK, has been organised with a particular focus on presenting research into finding and interpreting archival and other sources relating to the history of herbal medicine.

Main speakers:

Julia Boffey, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London

Isabelle Charmantier, University of Exeter

Maria Daronco, University of Udine, Italy

This event is organised by the Herbal History Research Network group which aims to promote research into the history of herbal medicine. The Network helps to connect together people who share common interests in researching the history of herbal medicine through seminars and other events. For further details of the Network contact Anne Stobart at a.stobart@herbaid.co.uk

Please see the supporting material for the day seminar programme and registration form at: http://events.history.ac.uk/event/show/12436?ref=email