Summary: In the text, the publication of a volume in honor of Dr. N. A. Purandare by the Indian Drugs Research Association (I. D. R. A.), Poona is described, highlighting a shift towards editing old and rare manuscripts as its third publication. The preface emphasizes financial needs for such projects and acknowledges support received from the Government of India. The text delves into the historical evolution of Ayurvedic literature, focusing on manuscripts like the 'Laghu-Nighanta' and 'Raja-Nighantu', shedding light on the vast array of medicinal plants and herbs used in Ayurveda, bridging the gap between ancient Indian knowledge and its relevance in modern times. The significance of traditional knowledge exchange across different parts of the world, including the Indian influence on Greek and Assyrian medicine, is also highlighted. The manuscript provides valuable insights into the development of medicinal plant knowledge and the intercommunication between ancient medical traditions worldwide.