Stems Gallery

Tea plant

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis), historical artwork. The buds and young leaves of the tea plant are dried and used make the beverage known as tea. Tea contains aromatic, essential oils and caffeine which acts as a stimulant. Tea is an ancient drink, with records of its use in China from at least the 10th century B.C

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Front cover of The Etiquette of To-day

Front cover of The Etiquette of To-day, . edited by Flora Klickmann. A small volume of etiquette, seeking to assist with such matters as visiting, eating out, travelling, chaperones, dressing and an explanation of servants, their duties and ranking within the establishment. Published by Girl's Own Paper, circa 1914 Date: circa 1914

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Leaves of Babchi or scurf pea, Psoralea corylifolia

Leaves of Babchi or scurf pea, Psoralea corylifolia, used in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.. Color-printed woodblock engraving by Kan'en Iwasaki from Honzo Zufu, an Illustrated Guide to Medicinal Plants, 1884. Iwasaki (1786-1842) was a Japanese botanist, entomologist and zoologist. He was one of the first Japanese botanists to incorporate western knowledge into his studies

© Florilegius / Mary Evans