Conversations on Vegetable Physiology

Jane Haldimand Marcet (17691858) wrote across a range of topics from natural philosophy to political economy. Her educational books were especially intended for female students to combat the prevalent idea that science and economics were unsuitable for women but they found broader popularity: Michael Faraday as a young bookbinder''s apprentice credited Marcet with introducing him to electrochemistry. This two-volume work first published in 1829 is a beginner''s guide to botany. Since the chief aim was accessibility Marcet does not dwell on the often burdensome process of plant classification but focuses on plant forms and botany''s practical applications. She presents the facts in the form of simple conversations between two students and their teacher. Based on the lectures of the Swiss botanist Candolle Volume 1 introduces roots leaves sap and the effects of different soil and air.