Pharmacognosy \Phar`ma*cog"no*sy\, n. 1. Pharmacognosis. [1913 Webster] 2. The study of the distribution of, methods for finding, and properties of medically useful agents in natural sources, especially plants. [PJC]
Pharmacognosis \Phar`ma*cog*no"sis\, n. [Gr. fa`rmakon a drug + gnw^sis a knowing.] That branch of pharmacology which treats of unprepared medicines or simples; -- usually called {pharmacognosy}, and also {pharmacography}, and {pharmacomathy}. [1913 Webster]