# Medicinal Plants, Olfactory History, and the Physics of Time A review of three new books exploring herbalism, sensory history, and temporal physics. - **Source:** [Nature](https://brifing.si/source/4d850c3b-dd79-4024-bc91-db2571889199) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c3dbb5fd-ac4c-44a7-ab50-908d93218b82 ## Nature as a Physician Margaret Willes explores the history of European herbalism from medieval times to the present day. The book highlights one hundred plants with medicinal properties, including the yew tree and alecost. These entries are accompanied by exquisite colour drawings originally featured in John Gerard’s influential 1597 publication, The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes. ## Historical Herbalism Practices The text provides a substantial essay detailing the evolution of herbal medicine across centuries. By examining specific botanical specimens like Tanacetum balsamita, the author connects ancient medical wisdom to modern understanding. This work serves as both a historical record and a botanical reference, bridging the gap between traditional practices and contemporary scientific observation. ## The Olfactory Crisis Historian William Tullett examines the history of smell, noting how early motor car emissions were initially welcomed. These fumes replaced the pervasive odour of horse dung that had previously plagued city streets. This transition marked a significant shift in urban environments, moving from organic waste crises toward the industrial scents of the twentieth century. ## Global Sensory History Tullett’s research spans diverse cultural contexts, ranging from ancient Christian aromas to medieval Indian perfumes. The narrative also addresses the specific scents associated with eighteenth-century slavery and the status of odour in twentieth-century China. This comprehensive study covers the foul, the fragrant, and everything in between, illustrating how smell shapes human social experiences. ## Physics of Time Physicist Jim Al-Khalili challenges Albert Einstein’s assertion that the distinction between past, present, and future is merely a persistent illusion. Al-Khalili argues that the irreversible passage of time must be formally incorporated into the laws of physics. He posits that time’s arrow is a fundamental reality that makes the entire Universe tick. ## Temporal Theoretical Frameworks The book provides an intellectually demanding synthesis of complex concepts found in quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity. By integrating these with thermodynamics, Al-Khalili attempts to resolve long-standing debates regarding temporal flow. His analysis offers a rigorous perspective on how modern physics might reconcile the subjective experience of time with objective reality. ## Interdisciplinary Scientific Inquiry These three books demonstrate the breadth of contemporary scientific literature, covering botany, sensory history, and theoretical physics. Each author utilizes historical or physical evidence to challenge established narratives or preserve traditional knowledge. This collection reflects a growing trend of interdisciplinary research that seeks to contextualize scientific discovery within broader human and universal experiences. ## Synthesis of Knowledge The works reviewed provide essential insights into how we perceive the natural world, our sensory environment, and the fundamental nature of time. By examining these distinct fields, readers gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing life and the cosmos. These publications serve as vital contributions to the ongoing dialogue between science and history. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03595-x — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._