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Kneipp's Plant atlas -- Plate XV. Fig 18. Aloe vulgaris Lam.

Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) was considered one of the forefathers of the hydrotherapy movement in the 19th century.  His book, My Water-Cure (1892) detailed over 100 water treatments in all its forms: liquid, solid and steam.  In his chapter on medicines, Kneipp provides a list of plants he uses and a note indicates that a separate volume has culled together all the medicinal plants in his work and published under the title Plant atlas to my water cures.  This atlas was published in English with two versions.  One version contains only phototypies [sic] and the other version with coloured phototypies [sic].  A recent acquisition of this 'atlas' is now in the Othmer Library's collection.  BTW -- our copy contains the coloured plates."

From the Preface to the first German edition.  Since the circulation of the book “My Watercure”, by Kneipp reached such extraordinary dimensions, the wish for illustrations of the medicinal plants mentioned and recommended in it, has become more and more urgent so that we think we are bound not to delay any further the publication of a plant=atlas of the kind desired.  …  Infinite care has been bestowed upon the faithful representation of the plants; absolute correctness having been obtained by the use of photography – the first time to our knowledge – that this science has been made us of in a Botanical work.

Tab. XV. Fig. 18. Aloe vulgaris Lam.  (Common Aloe) Uses:  

1. One or two small spoonsful of powdered aloes (to be bought at the druggist's), mixed with a teaspoonful of honey serves to cleanse the stomach.
2. The effect is both stronger and more lasting when mixed with other herbs and made into an infusion. the receipt is a follows: small spoonful of aloes, enough elder-flowers for two cups of tea, two or three spoonsful of Foenum graecum and a teaspoonful of fennel. this quantity is sufficient for two days. The effect, gentle purging, does not take place for 12--30 hours.
3. An eye-wash for weak, inflamed or watering eyes can be prepared from the Aloe. A large spoonful of Aloes should be placed in a medicineglass, hot water poured on it, and well shaken. The eyes to be bathed with the infusion three or four times a day.  
4. In cases of foul flesh and deep purulent sores a rag should be dipped in an infusion of Aloes and laid upon the place.
5. If there is difficulty in the formation of new skin over sores etc., the whole of the parts affected may be sprinkled daily with powdered aloes sufficiently thick to quite cover them and the wound should then be bound up dry.
6. Both new and old wounds are very quickly healed by the use of Aloes.