The Herbarium of Apuleius

The Herbarium of Apuleius is a historical work attributed to Apuleius, a Roman philosopher and writer from the 2nd century AD. It is one of the earliest known botanical texts, focusing on medicinal plants and their uses. The text combines practical knowledge about plant properties with mythological and philosophical themes. While it is not a comprehensive scientific compendium by modern standards, it reflects the ancient understanding of botany and the intertwining of nature, medicine, and culture in that era. The work is significant for its influence on later botanical studies and its insight into ancient medical practices.