Conversations on Botany Conversations on Botany

Illustrated with 20 hand-colored plates, “Conversations on Botany” is composed as a series of conversations between a mother and son about the principles of the Linnaean system of classification and elements of useful botany. Originally attributed to Jane Marcet, the volume is now recognized as co-authored by Irish sisters Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton and is credited with furthering women’s interest in botany.

Plate 16: Malva sylvestris. Hand-colored lithograph of common mallow, Malva sylvestris. Class Monadelphia, order Polyandria.