Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1981
Thesis Director
Charles B. Arzeni
Abstract
A library research project was done to gain information on the ethnic uses of plants cited in C. B. Arzeni and B. N. McKnight's "Ethnobotany", a workbook used in conjunction with Botany classes 2320 and 5452 offered at Eastern Illinois University at Charleston. The workbook represents a series of exercises on plants and their impact and importance to man. At present, there is no single book that offers explanations and comments on the diversity of plants that appear in this workbook. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to bring together such information in one work, with the hope that it will be useful in fulfilling the assignments required of the workbook. Included are discussions of the cryptogams, i.e. the bacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, horsetails, psilopsids, and club mosses; various plants used as fumitories and masticatories, spices, medicinals, hallucinogens, and poisons. Within a particular section, attempts have been made to introduce the subject with relation to its historical discovery; to compare and contrast specific plants or genera concerning their present bonafide uses and past folklore uses; to describe their preparation for usage; and to state what cultures, if any, are the primary users of a particular plant. In the discussion of poisonous, hallucinogenic,and medicinal plants, an attempt has also been made to elaborate briefly upon the chemical and physiological effects of the active principles involved.
Appearing at the end of each section are lists of the common names of plants mentioned in that section, with their appropriate scientific names and family names.
Recommended Citation
Priebe, Virgil S., "A Survey of Selected Economic Plants" (1981). Masters Theses. 2998.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2998
