of numerous slender radicles about three inches long, yellowish, of an agreeable camphoraceous odour, and warm bitter camphoraceous taste. It contains a volatile oil and a bitter extractive principle.
Properties.—Stimulant, tonic, and diaphoretic.
Therapeutic Uses.—In the advanced stages and in the adynamic forms of fever, it has been found serviceable. In the bites of venomous snakes it formerly enjoyed high repute; it has also been employed in some forms of dyspepsia, gout and skin disease, and locally as a gargle in various affections of the throat.
Dose.—From ten to thirty grains of the dried root in infusion.
Preparations.—Infusion of Serpentary (Infusum Serpentariae). Take of Serpentary Root a quarter of an ounce; Boiling Water, ten fluid ounces. Infuse in a covered vessel for two hours and strain. Dose. From one to two fluid ounces, three or four times daily.
Tincture of Serpentary (Tinctura Serpentariae). Take of Serpentary Root, bruised, two ounces and a half; Proof Spirit, one pint. Macerate the serpentary for forty-eight hours in fifteen fluid ounces of the spirit, in a closed vessel, agitating occasionally; then transfer to a percolator, and, when the fluid ceases to pass, continue the percolation with the remaining five ounces of the spirit. Afterwards subject the contents of the percolator to pressure, filter the product, mix the liquids, and add sufficient proof spirit to make one pint.
Dose.—From one to two fluid drachms. A good adjunct to stimulant and diaphoretic mixtures.
Serpentaria is an ingredient in Tinctura Ciuchonse composita.
(Non-officinal.)
Aristolochia Indica, Linn. (Rheede, Hort. Mal., vol. viii. t. 25.), This twining shrub is common throughout India. The root, which is very bitter, is held in much esteem by the natives as a stimulant, tonic, and emmenagogue, and is employed by them in intermittent fevers and other affections. Nothing certain is known of its virtues; but Dr. Kirkpatrick (Cat. of Mysore Drugs, No. 455) considers that its properties as a febrifuge are deserving of investigation; and Dr. Fleming, judging from the aromatic bitterness of the root, is of opinion that it will be found useful in dyspepsia (Asiat. Researches, vol. xi.) Dr. Gibson regards it as valuable n bowel affections. From its sensible properties, and the high esteem in which it is held by the natives, it may be worthy of further notice. It is as an antidote to snake bites, however, that it has obtained most repute, and by the early Portuguese settlers was termed Raiz de Cobra, from its supposed efficacy in those cases, even in the bite of the Cobra de Capello. The leaves, and
