The Natural History of the Tea-Tree: With Observations on the Medical Qualities of Tea, and Effects of Tea-Drinking (Cambridge Library Collection - Botany and Horticulture) - Softcover

Lettsom, John Coakley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108079814 ISBN 13: 9781108079815

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2015

Synopsis

This treatise on the tea bush and the consumption of tea was published in 1772 by John Coakley Lettsom (1744–1815), a physician and philanthropist, whose first action on inheriting his family plantation in 1767 was to free all its slaves. He practised medicine in London, and wrote on topics which he felt would benefit society. The book begins with a description of the plant, using the Linnaean system, discussing tea cultivation and harvesting in China, and the preparation of the leaves for use locally and abroad. In Part II, Lettsom turns to the medical uses of tea, lamenting that so little scientific evidence exists for either its beneficent or its malign properties. After performing various experiments and considering the physical and social consequences of tea-drinking, he concludes that it should be avoided, because its enervating effects lead to weakness and effeminacy, advice which mostly fell on deaf ears.

About this title

Book Description

This treatise on the tea bush and the consumption of tea was published in 1772 by John Coakley Lettsom, physician and philanthropist. He describes the botany, processing and use of the plant; however, he concludes that it should be avoided, because its enervating effects lead to weakness and effeminacy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108079814
• ISBN 13: 9781108079815
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 82