Handbuch Der Pharmakognosie: Erster Band. Allgemeine Pharmakognosie

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This comprehensive work focuses on the field of pharmacognosy, which studies medicinal drugs of natural origin and their properties, applications, and historical aspects. The text aims to consolidate and modernize existing knowledge in this discipline, highlighting the interconnectedness of botany, chemistry, and pharmacology. The opening of the book presents the author's intention to create a modern illustrated handbook of pharmacognosy that encompasses a wide range of topics, including the botanical, chemical, and historical contexts of medicinal plants. Tschirch discusses the lack of contemporary literature on pharmacognosy while detailing his extensive background in the field, which includes hands-on research and teaching. He emphasizes that pharmacognosy is a distinct scientific discipline with practical applications in various areas including pharmacy, medicine, and trade. Additionally, Tschirch outlines the structure of the work and its aim to provide an integrated understanding of the cultivation, processing, and trade of medicinal substances.