Mandrake Problems (opens in new tab)

In his famous Herball or Generall historie of plantes author John Gerard (c.1545-1612) includes some choice words in his entry for the mandrake root. “There have been many ridiculous tales brought up of this plant,” the herbalist bemoans, “whether of old wives or from runagate surgeons or physic mongers, I know not…” This Early Modern herbalist, gardener, and surgeon is objecting to a long and storied folk tradition. Many books contain references to and images of exactly those mandrake tales ...