This two-volume work investigates the structural and anatomical characteristics of dicotyledonous plants to provide a comprehensive classification framework. C.R. Metcalfe, a distinguished botanist, synthesizes extensive microscopic observations and comparative data to establish a systematic guide for identifying plant species based on their internal tissue organization. The text serves as a foundational reference for researchers and students examining the cellular architecture of flowering plants.

Botanists and researchers frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for plant anatomy and systematic botany. Experts note the high density of technical information and the precision of the anatomical descriptions provided throughout both volumes.