The other rulers also acknowledged the gift. In 1656 Nathaniel and Thomas Hodges dedicated a translation of Maier's Themis aurea to Ashmole. Also a book on astrology in 1657 was dedicate to him, and in 1655 one on plants. And in fact there were quite a few more dedications throught the rest of his life. Pharmacology He was deeply interested in the medicinal uses of plants.
Volume one is the biography.
I suppose this has to be the leading source, but it can hardly be called a penetrating book.