54 THE JOURNAL OF BOTATS^Y 



own covmtiy, from the best authorities extant " ; he accordingly gives 

 extracts from such writers with descriptions and habitats for 13 of 

 the letter A, 10 of B, and none of C. This leaves only 27 plants of 

 which he knew the properties by experience, so that his " botanic 

 garden " does not seem to have grown many herbs. 



Each plant has a chapter to itself, beginning with the names in 

 Latin and English with synonyms, a careful tabulated description of 

 the floral parts, and then the virtues, set out in numerous pages by 

 long extracts from the writings of many authorities — some ancient, 

 such as Antonius Musa (c. a.d. 1) for Wood Betony, Augenius for 

 Bishop's Weed ; and others more modern, Doctors Alleyne, Brookes, 

 Bowles, James, Lewis, and Strother, with many unnamed ''learned 

 physicians " and a few of the earlier herbalists. The chapters end 

 with " observations by the author," wdierein he describes how to 

 prepare cures for different diseases, learnt froin his own practise. 

 Amongst the latter are lengthy remarks on special maladies, with 

 their causes and general treatment. He is particular to write against 

 strong drinks, but approves of tea and recommends fresh air, such as 

 is to be found on " rising ground .... with pleasant flowers at 

 Hampstead, Highgate, or Epsom .... [and] here in London." 



A long effusion concerning gout takes the form, under the plant 

 Burdock {Arcfhim Lajrpa L.) of an advertisement of a secret remedy 

 of his ow^n, discovered twelve years before and since improved upon, 

 which he cannot further disclose "on account of the duty I owe my 

 family." There is an advertisement of the jweparation, which can be 

 obtained at one guinea per quart through his " publisher Mr. Bew, 

 Bookseller," and a favourable testimonial from six grateful sufferers, 

 headed by " John Clarke, Esq., one of 11. M. Justices of the Peace." 



Among those wlio have helped him Baylis mentions " a clergyman 

 in the West of England, who has had much experience and done much 

 good in the botanic practice" (p. 430) and "an African Prince who 

 was here from an insurrection in his country," who communicated to 

 [him] remedies used by the natives (p. 367). He also refers to " a 

 gentleman in the west of England who, though engaged in a very 

 large concern," has " set apart one day in the week " to" attend those 

 afflicted with disease of the eyes (p. 450). 



The book as a whole affords little evidence of botanical knowledge 

 and its nature suggests a suspicion that the author's degree ma}'' have 

 been self -conferred ; the absence of any possible "-B.L." from thePoyal 

 Society's list confirms this view. The work seems to have come to an 

 abrupt termination, as the words " volume I." are erased from the 

 title-page, though they can still be traced there. On the back of the 

 last page is a reference to a plate of Primula veris which does not 

 appear in the book, indicating that drawings had been prepared for^ 

 its continuation. 



Although not of scientific Importance, it is surprising that so 

 pretentious a work should have almost entirely escaped the notice of 

 bibliographers. It appears in Dr. Daydon Jackson's useful Guide, 

 but he has never seen the book, and does not know where he found It 

 mentioned. Possibly this- notice may lead to the discovery of further 

 copies, and of more infonnation concerning the author. 



Ida M. Bopee. 



