This work investigates the historical and mythological foundations of herbal medicine as practiced in ancient civilizations. The author, E.A. Wallis Budge, utilizes his extensive background in Egyptology and Near Eastern studies to trace the origins of botanical knowledge back to divine or supernatural sources. By examining ancient texts and artifacts, the author argues that early herbal practices were inextricably linked to religious ritual and the perceived influence of deities.

Scholars recognize this text as a specialized contribution to the history of medicine and ancient belief systems. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational understanding of ancient history to fully appreciate the author's arguments.