German herbal, LeonarT Fuchs, 1543

Yesterday my daughter and son-in-law took me on a field trip to visit York County Historical Center in York. PA. Among the numerous exhibits, this was my favorite! De Historia Stirpium Commentaril Insignes (“Notable Commentaries on the History of Plants”) was published in 1543. It features over 500 plants and includes botanical illustrations, structure, medicinal qualities and practical applications. The illustrations are detailed woodcuts. Featured artists include illustrator Heinrich Fullmaurer, Albrecht Meyer, a draftsman, and Veit Rudolph Speckle, a woodcutter.
​Leonhart Fuchs (1502 - 1566) was a German physician and one of the three founding fathers of botany: Otto Brunfels and Hieronymous Bock, the other two. They gave creditability to the study of plants. The herbal is credited for moving herbals from medieval mysticism to accredited modern botanical science. 
Can you imagine sitting quietly with this treasure and savoring each page? I wonder if it’s ever taken out of its case. The next time I visit, I’ll check to see if they have turned the page. 
This is only one of many reasons to visit the York County Historical Center. Actually, you should consider visiting as many historical societies as possible! They are brimming with treasures to remind us to treasure our past and preserve our future. 

We are so focused on finding evidence of our ancestors, and so, when we find it, we should help preserve it for future family members to see and get excited about."     
​                                     ~ Lila Fourhman Shaull, Director of the York County History Center Library and Archives, 2008