Bentley & Trimen, Medicinal Plants

Bently, Robert, & Trimen, Henry, Medicinal Plants: being descriptions with original figures of the Principal Plants Employed in Medicine, Printed London, J. & A. Churchill, New Burlington Stree, 1880, in 4 Vols, contemporary half calf with gilt lettering, with 306 botanical plates, each meticulously hand-colored with some extending across double pages,

Robert Bentley, born in 1821, distinguished himself as an English botanist and pharmacologist whose contributions significantly impacted the fields of botany and pharmacy. His academic journey led him to become a professor in botany at King's College in 1859, where he imparted knowledge and inspired future generations. In recognition of his expertise and dedication, Bentley attained the prestigious status of a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 1874. His legacy endures through his influential teachings and his notable contributions to the intersection of botany and pharmacology.

Henry Trimen, born in London in 1843, emerged as a notable botanist whose impact reached the lush landscapes of Ceylon, present-day Sri Lanka. Serving as the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Ceylon from 1879 to 1895, Trimen played a pivotal role in shaping the botanical landscape of the region. His profound knowledge and passion for flora culminated in the publication of "The Flora of Ceylon" in 1893, a testament to his dedication to botanical research. Trimen's legacy extends beyond borders, leaving an enduring mark on the rich biodiversity of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Ceylon.

David Blair, born in 1820, etched his name into the annals of botanical artistry and lithography during the 19th century. His creative talents found expression in various notable works, including contributions to the "Transactions of the Linnean Society" in 1875. Blair's artistic flair further adorned publications such as Berthold Carl Seemann and James Britten's "Journal of Botany, British and Foreign" (1872-8), James Britten's "European Ferns" (1880), and Lena Lowis' "Familiar Indian Flowers" (1881). A skilled botanical illustrator, Blair left an indelible mark on scientific publications, enriching the visual appeal of botanical knowledge. The exact year of his passing remains uncertain, but his artistic legacy lives on in the detailed and exquisite renderings that continue to captivate enthusiasts of both art and botany.