The Old Print Shop

Calamentha Officinalis. The Common Clalmint of the Shops.

  • ARTIST: Elizabeth Blackwell

  • MEDIUM: Engraving, hand colored,

    DATE: 1737

  • EDITION SIZE: Sheet 17 3/8 x 11" (442 x 280 mm).

  • DESCRIPTION: Plate 167. From "A Curious Herbal, containing five hundred cuts of the most useful plants which are now used in the practice of Physick....” Drawn from life, engraved and hand colored by Elizabeth Blackwell. After learning that an accurate account on herbals was needed, Blackwell moved closer to the Chelsea Physic Garden in London (founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries' Garden - for the training of apprentices in identifying plants) to observe plants under cultivation. This book illustrates many of the then ‘unknown new world' plants as well as more familiar and was used by physicians as a reference to medicinal plants. <br><br> This engraving depicts Calamentha Officinalis, otherwise known as Basil Thyme or Spring Savory. It was used in medieval times as a stomach remedy until peppermint took its place. Today it's still used as an herbal treatment for upper respiratory infections.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition, save for upper tip of page on right side missing.

  • REFERENCE: Dunthorne #42.