"Elementary Botany" by George Francis Atkinson delves into plant physiology, focusing on absorption, diffusion, and osmosis. It explores the structure and function of protoplasm in plants like spirogyra and beet, emphasizing experiments with salt and sugar solutions to demonstrate plant reactions to different environments. The book highlights turgor pressure, root hairs' role in absorption, and the significance of understanding protoplasm behavior in plant cells for comprehensive plant physiology studies.