1)2 
THE JOURNAL OF BOTANY 
tabic acids, fats, aromatic compounds, proteins, glucosides, and plant- 
bases. A general account of the chemistry and distribution of each 
type of substance precedes the actual experimental details, which are 
lucid but unfortunately printed in small type. In most cases the 
study of the pure product is first undertaken, to be followed by its 
detection in or extraction in a pure form from the plant; and for 
this latter purpose a number of alternative materials are usually 
enumerated. One is inclined to feel that in the experimental part 
the author has adhered too strongly to the purely chemical side. 
Although the optical properties of carbohydrates are referred to in the 
general description, there are no practical instructions for testing 
them. Spectroscopic examination of some of the pigments studied 
might also be undertaken, whilst in the chapter on colloids, which 
might well be extended, more than a passing reference to the ultra¬ 
microscope seems advisable. Inclusion of such matters would con¬ 
siderably increase the usefulness of the book. 
In the sections dealing with the physiological processes of the 
plant one could sometimes wish for a slightly more conservative 
attitude. The vagueness of our knowledge regarding the stages 
leading to the production of carbohydrates in photosynthesis and the 
synthesis of fats is scarcely sufficiently emphasized. In the latter 
part of the book there are some unnecessary repetitions (<?. y.,pp. 140, 
147 ; pp. 139, 141, 149). The only topographical error noticed is 
“native ” for “natural” on p. 141 (line 8). 
_F. E. F. 
A Plain Plantain : Country Wines, Pishes and Herbal Cures 
from a 17 th Century Household MS. Receipt Pooh. Arranged, 
with various details, by Russell Geoiige Alexander. 
Printed and published at S. Dominic’s Press, Ditchling, Sussex: 
a.d. mcmxxii. F’cap Svo, pp. viii, 96. Price 5s., wrapper, 
7 s. Gd. cloth. 
This little volume, which by its typography appeals to the lovers 
of well-printed books, is taken from “ a manuscript inscribed Madam 
Susanna Avery, Her Pooh, May ye 12tli Anno Domini 1688.” 
Apart from its interest as a collection of seventeenth century receipts 
—often of a very elaborate character—for wines, cakes, puddings, 
salves, waters, and the like, the book is noteworthy for the care which 
has been bestowed upon it. Besides an introduction on the contents 
of the herb garden and the gathering of the medicinal herbs which, 
as stated by a leaflet issued during the War by the Board of Agri¬ 
culture, should be grown in this country, there is a brief bibliography 
of “ books on plants, gardens, and domestic economy which may be 
consulted with advantage,” and notes on the plants mentioned in the 
receipts. Among the former we note John Wesley’s Primitive 
Physic (1769) in which “he chiefly deals with medicines made from 
native English plants ” ; and a more recent volume by Dr. W. T. 
Fernie— Herbal Simples approved for modern uses of cure ( 1895-7) 
wherein “ the author justifies the use of herbs as the basis of chemical 
analysis.” 
The notes on the plants are so well intentioned and so interesting 
