This unit, developed by the Third World Science Project, is designed to add a multicultural element to existing science syllabi (for students aged 11-16) in the United Kingdom. The project seeks to develop an appreciation of the: boundless fascination of the natural world; knowledge, skills, and expertise possessed by men/women everywhere; application of knowledge and skills to solve the practical problems of everyday life; impact of modern technology in the world; and the influence of the cultural background on the perception of knowledge, problems, and solutions. The introduction to this unit traces the historical background of plant use as the only source of drugs for man, considering the belief that a cure for every disease can be found among members of the plant kingdom. Topics areas considered in following sections include: increasing respectability of "primitive" herbal healing; drugs and poisons; major drugs obtained from plants; plants that bring health and death, considering plant chemicals that destroy tumors, reduce blood pressure, paralyze muscles, or prevent conception; African medicine (suggesting students similarly list and identify local plants having medicinal value); and herbs and modern drugs. The unit concludes with a list of plants and their popular drug derivatives. (JN)