BLACKWELL, Elizabeth, c. 1700-1758. A CURIOUS HERBAL.
2 volumes
London: Printed for John Nourse at the Lamb without Temple Bar, 1739 (a re-issue of the 1737 edition with the imprints re-engraved and volume statement in roman numerals).
Folio, Large paper issue, Leaf: 45.6 X 28.1 cm.
500 numbered, hand colored, engraved plates interspersed with leaves of explanatory text (Vol. 1 Plates 1-252; Vol. 2 Plates 253-500).
References: Pritzel 811 Hunt 510 Johnston 386.
Author Note
The copperplate engravings produced by Elizabeth Blackwell for both the illustrations and text in A Curious Herbal are remarkable for their skill and beauty. They are made even more remarkable by the story behind the production of this beautiful book.
At the age of 28, Elizabeth Blachrie married Alexander Blackwell who was aptly described as a “…self-styled Dr. (and) handsome rascal…” (Cheston). Shortly after their marriage, the couple fled from Aberdeen, Scotland to London when it was revealed that Alexander did not have the proper credentials to practice medicine. Alexander established his own printing house, but once again came into conflict with the authorities as he had not joined the printer’s guild or fulfilled any of the requisite time of apprenticeship. The Blackwells were hit with heavy fines and Alexander was sent to debtor’s prison. Elizabeth was persuaded to use her childhood training in art to produce a new herbal in the hope of supporting herself, her child and to secure Alexander’s release from debtor’s prison. On the advice of Sir Hans Sloane, Elizabeth took lodging near the Chelsea Physick Garden and started drawing the plants from life. The completed drawings were taken to prison where Alexander identified the plants and described their medicinal uses. Elizabeth would then engrave the copper plates for the images and text and hand color the printed images. The book was published in weekly installments of four plates a week. A Curious Herbal was enthusiastically received by the Royal College of Physicians and the proceeds from its sale enabled Alexander’s release from prison. After his release, Alexander once again fell into trouble with the British authorities so moved to Sweden leaving Elizabeth in London. In Sweden he again became involved in dubious activities and was eventually condemned to death by beheading. During this time, Elizabeth continued to support him by systematically selling off the rights to A Curious Herbal. The story has been repeated that Alexander, joking to the last, apologized for putting his head on the wrong side of the block as "it is my first time being beheaded. After this point in time, little is known about Elizabeth Blackwell except for her death in 1758 and burial in the Chelsea Old Church churchyard near her ally, Sir Hans Sloane.
At the age of 28, Elizabeth Blachrie married Alexander Blackwell who was aptly described as a “…self-styled Dr. (and) handsome rascal…” (Cheston). Shortly after their marriage, the couple fled from Aberdeen, Scotland to London when it was revealed that Alexander did not have the proper credentials to practice medicine. Alexander established his own printing house, but once again came into conflict with the authorities as he had not joined the printer’s guild or fulfilled any of the requisite time of apprenticeship. The Blackwells were hit with heavy fines and Alexander was sent to debtor’s prison. Elizabeth was persuaded to use her childhood training in art to produce a new herbal in the hope of supporting herself, her child and to secure Alexander’s release from debtor’s prison. On the advice of Sir Hans Sloane, Elizabeth took lodging near the Chelsea Physick Garden and started drawing the plants from life. The completed drawings were taken to prison where Alexander identified the plants and described their medicinal uses. Elizabeth would then engrave the copper plates for the images and text and hand color the printed images. The book was published in weekly installments of four plates a week. A Curious Herbal was enthusiastically received by the Royal College of Physicians and the proceeds from its sale enabled Alexander’s release from prison. After his release, Alexander once again fell into trouble with the British authorities so moved to Sweden leaving Elizabeth in London. In Sweden he again became involved in dubious activities and was eventually condemned to death by beheading. During this time, Elizabeth continued to support him by systematically selling off the rights to A Curious Herbal. The story has been repeated that Alexander, joking to the last, apologized for putting his head on the wrong side of the block as "it is my first time being beheaded. After this point in time, little is known about Elizabeth Blackwell except for her death in 1758 and burial in the Chelsea Old Church churchyard near her ally, Sir Hans Sloane.