Edwin Smith Papyrus Bibliography: Uncovering the Ancient Roots of Western Herbalism

The Edwin Smith Papyrus, a reproduction limited edition published in 2012 by M. Egerton MSP 747, is believed to have been copied between 12th and 15th centuries (although this is somewhat speculative). Made in Northern Italy during the 1400s, this ancient text has sparked interest among scholars and herbal enthusiasts alike.

Another crucial source material for Tractatus is the Egerton manuscript 747, which contains written discussions about plants and their names. This book consists entirely of illustrations of plants with both ancient and current names for the time period. Unfortunately, there is no information within the book itself regarding its author or authors, date of production, publisher's mark, or any other details about its origin.

St. Tractatus de Herbis (British Library, Sloane manuscript 2016) provides an excellent overview of some important and accessible members of the European herbal canon. Collins M (2000) Medieval Herbals: The Illustrative Traditions (British Library and University of Toronto Press) offers a comprehensive review of the topic.

Contrary to popular misconception, the European tradition is just as rich, but often published in languages that are not easily accessible today, such as Old English, Latin, Classical Arabic, and other European languages. This disparity stems from the fact that ancient Chinese texts are relatively more readable for modern Chinese practitioners due to concerted efforts to preserve these ancient texts.

In stark contrast, Asian herbal medicine has a strong connection to its historical roots, with an extensive written history (as well as oral transmission). Many Western herbal medicine practitioners mistakenly believe their tradition does not have a strong connection to its historical past. This misconception can be attributed to the limited access to European languages and texts, which hinders understanding of the rich heritage of Western herbalism.

The Edwin Smith Papyrus Bibliography serves as a testament to the importance of exploring and preserving ancient texts, shedding light on the intricate history of Western herbalism and its connections to other traditions.

Edwin smith papyrus bibliogrpahy