Ethnobotany: Evolution of a Discipline is a compilation of scholarly articles written by various ethnobotanists, discussing the birth, growth, and evolution of this age-old study into a recognized, distinct branch of natural science. The articles were compiled by Siri von Reis as well as Richard Evans Schultes, one of the leading ethnobotanists of our time. The book is divided into ten parts, each prefaced with a couple pages of general introduction to the particular focus of the section. Sections are divided as follows: (1) general ethnobotany, (2) socioethnobotany, (3) historical ethnobotany, (4) ethnobotanical conservation, (5) ethnobotany in education, (6) ethnobotanical contributions to general botany, crop improvement, and ecology, (7) ethnobotany and geography, (8) ethnopharmacaology, (9) ethnomycology, and (10) archaeoethnobotany. Each part has anywhere from one to nine corresponding articles with each article boasting multiple pages of literature cited (very useful!!).

Some articles provide images of the compounds discussed or simple, supplemental pictures corresponding to their topics, such as mushrooms being grown in a lab or an ethnobotanist holding a root-digging stick! However, aside from various tables used to report certain findings in a clear and concise manner, there are no formal diagrams or illustrations for each and every plant discussed. The articles are very informative yet approachable, written for those with a basic, academic background. Most technical terms used within the articles are followed with definitions and useful explanations, making this a non-intimidating source for information.

Focus is placed mainly on the big picture of ethnobotany, discussing the history of the field and how it can be applied to different aspects and concentrations within the discipline, as opposed to reporting exact, detailed mechanisms for how each medicinal plant functions. Numerous articles provide insight into the cultural use and significance of ethnobotany as viewed by indigenous people from all over the world. In addition, many articles touch upon the necessity of conservation and how more effort needs to be placed on the discovery and research of medicinal plants before they succumb to the pressures of our ever-expanding societal conquests.

Overall, this collection of articles would be very useful to a natural products student in providing a detailed historical and cultural recap of the discipline as a whole, as well as providing insight into modern studies and arguments for why its preservation is adamant.

Ethnobotany: Evolution of a Discipline is a compilation of scholarly articles written by various ethnobotanists, discussing the birth, growth, and evolution of this age-old study into a recognized, distinct branch of natural science. The articles were compiled by Siri von Reis as well as Richard Evans Schultes, one of the leading ethnobotanists of our time. The book is divided into ten parts, each prefaced with a couple pages of general introduction to the particular focus of the section. Sections are divided as follows: (1) general ethnobotany, (2) socioethnobotany, (3) historical ethnobotany, (4) ethnobotanical conservation, (5) ethnobotany in education, (6) ethnobotanical contributions to general botany, crop improvement, and ecology, (7) ethnobotany and geography, (8) ethnopharmacaology, (9) ethnomycology, and (10) archaeoethnobotany. Each part has anywhere from one to nine corresponding articles with each article boasting multiple pages of literature cited (very useful!!).

Some articles provide images of the compounds discussed or simple, supplemental pictures corresponding to their topics, such as mushrooms being grown in a lab or an ethnobotanist holding a root-digging stick! However, aside from various tables used to report certain findings in a clear and concise manner, there are no formal diagrams or illustrations for each and every plant discussed. The articles are very informative yet approachable, written for those with a basic, academic background. Most technical terms used within the articles are followed with definitions and useful explanations, making this a non-intimidating source for information.

Focus is placed mainly on the big picture of ethnobotany, discussing the history of the field and how it can be applied to different aspects and concentrations within the discipline, as opposed to reporting exact, detailed mechanisms for how each medicinal plant functions. Numerous articles provide insight into the cultural use and significance of ethnobotany as viewed by indigenous people from all over the world. In addition, many articles touch upon the necessity of conservation and how more effort needs to be placed on the discovery and research of medicinal plants before they succumb to the pressures of our ever-expanding societal conquests.

Overall, this collection of articles would be very useful to a natural products student in providing a detailed historical and cultural recap of the discipline as a whole, as well as providing insight into modern studies and arguments for why its preservation is adamant.