History of Stary Zielnik

Stary Zielnik was inspired by the rare book "Practical Botanical History, or Plants for Medical Use" by Giambattista Morandi, Italian botanist and physician, published in 1744.

The book is the first catalogue of medicinal plants to include both descriptions and illustrations. Morandi's plant illustrations are executed in aquatint and are highly accurate. They are considered among the finest ever made. Our copy has hand-painted illustrations, which was rare.

"Historia Botanica Practica" was well received by critics and enjoyed great popularity. The book was translated into many languages and used by medical and pharmacy students across Europe. Morandi's work remains a valuable source on medicinal plants and is regarded as one of the most important botanical works of the 18th century.

We could not allow this extraordinary testimony to the knowledge and skill of 18th-century botanists and physicians to be forgotten.

We own one of probably two hand-painted copies that have survived intact to this day. The other can be found at the Royal Botanic Garden in Madrid.