Inorganic Plant Poisons and Stimulants

"Inorganic Plant Poisons and Stimulants" by Winifred Elsie Brenchley is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work investigates the effects of various inorganic substances, specifically focusing on their toxic and stimulating actions on plant growth and development. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and correlation of existing research related to these substances, delving into their applicability in agricultural practices. The opening of the work begins with a preface outlining the significant changes in agricultural practices over the previous century, highlighting the use of artificial fertilizers and the conflicting evidence surrounding inorganic substances as potential plant nutrients. Brenchley sets the stage for further exploration by discussing the historical context of plant nutrition and the classification of substances based on their effects on plant growth. In particular, she emphasizes the complexity of understanding how certain inorganic compounds can exhibit both toxic and beneficial effects, depending on their concentrations and combinations with other nutrients, thereby inviting future investigation into the nuanced interactions between plants and these chemicals. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Winifred Elsie Brenchley OBE, DSc (Lond), FLS, FRES (1883–1953), an agricultural botanist who worked at the Rothamsted Research Station. Along with Katherine Warington, she demonstrated the role of boron as an essential micronutrient for plants. She was the first woman in the UK to break into the male-dominated sphere of agricultural science. She has been described as "perhaps Britain's leading authority on weeds in the early twentieth century".