In the eighth edition of "Encyclopaedia Britannica", in particular, the article "Andros, Sir Edmund" examines the life and activities of the English politician Sir Edmund Andros. He is known for his work as governor of the New England colonies during the royal patronage. The authors managed to combine the historical and political aspects of his life with the details of his administrative activities as governor. Next, in this part of the second volume of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the article "Anise" is considered, devoted to the plant and its use as a spice. The authors consider the history of anise cultivation, its botanical features, methods of cultivation and use in gastronomy and medicine. An important place in the article is also given to related issues related to the cultivation and use of anise in various cultures and cuisines of the world. "Encyclopaedia Britannica", 11th edition, is known for its detail and authority in the field of encyclopedic knowledge and remains an inexhaustible source of information from various scientific fields.