The Romance of the Apothecaries' Garden at Chelsea

Drewitt investigates the origins and history of this unique and fascinating educational garden.

Frederic Dawtrey Drewitt (Author)

9781108015875, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2010

230 pages, 15 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

Published in 1928, Drewitt's charming and engaging study traces the origin and antiquity of the peaceful botanical garden in Chelsea. The garden was established in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries in order to train apprentices to identify the plants used in medicine that, later on, they would be prescribing for their patients. Revised and enlarged for its third edition, the book recognises the special character of this garden, which still teaches students the names and properties of plants, as it did in the time of the Stuarts. Describing the gentle lives of the past naturalists and botanists of the Physic Garden, the study also includes material on the visits of Linnaeus and his pupils. Written with a light touch and full of fascinating anecdotes, the book will appeal to those interested in botany, the history of medicine and the history of early modern London.

Preface
Preface to Second Edition
Preface to Third Edition
Introduction
1. Existence of Apothecaries' Garden from time of the Stuarts
2. Apothecaries in 1673 take lease of garden in Chelsea
3. Plants transferred from Westminster to the Chelsea Garden
4. Sir Hans Sloane
5. Year 1722 brings new life to Physic Garden
6. Peter Kalm, pupil of Linnaeus, visits Garden in 1748
7. Death of younger Linnaeus
8. Sir Joseph Banks as a boy at Physic Garden
9. Chelsea Embankment opened in 1874
10. Old Yew tree
11. Railings and wall built on Chelsea Embankment
Index.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST]