some account of this animal, and the means of destroying it, under the article Viper.
Adder-stung is used in respect to cattle, when stung by any kind of venomous reptiles, as adders, scorpions, &c. or when bit by a hedge-hog or shrew. For the cure of such bites, some persons use an ointment made of dragon's blood, with a little barley-meal and the whites of eggs.
Adderwort. See Great Bistort, or Polygonum Bistorta, L.
Adonis Autumnalis, L. See Pheasant's Eye.
Adoxa Muschatellina, L. See Tuberous Moschatel.
ADULTERATION is the corruption, or debasement by an improper mixture, of any substance that was originally in a pure state. This art, though not unknown to the ancients, has in modern times been carried to a great extent; insomuch that we are sorry to observe, the rules and principles upon which so pernicious a practice is founded, are considered as qualifications essential to those persons who supply others as well with the common necessaries, as the luxuries, of life. We are, indeed, provided with excellent laws against adulterations; but crafty and avaricious dealers take frequent opportunities, either of eluding the vigilance and severity of justice, or of concealing their nefarious practices in so skilful a manner, as to render their detection extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible. We shall, therefore, consider it as our duty to point out those articles which are most liable to this species of fraud. They may be found under the different heads of Beer, Bread, Coffee, Hair-Powder, Honey, Oil, Snuff, Spirits, Tea, Tobacco, Vinegar, Wax, Wine, &c. &c.
ADVERTISEMENT, generally, signifies any information given to those who are interested in a common concern. It more particularly alludes to a short account of an affair inserted in a public newspaper. We should scarcely have noticed this article, had it not been with a view to caution the unwary, and animadvert upon the fraudulent practices to which the advertisements of the present day are frequently subservient; for instance, those of money-lenders, servants'-office keepers, agents for place-men, adventurers, marriage-brokers, and other unprincipled individuals, who prey upon the credulity of the public. Hence we venture to suggest an opinion, that it would be more conducive to the interests of society, if the public prints were subjected to some regulations in this respect; and that no advertisement could be inserted, without being authenticated before a magistrate. By this precaution, the editor and printer of a newspaper, who sometimes become the innocent accomplices of fraud or swindling, would be secured against the attempts of those who frequently avail themselves of this mode of publication, to make it a vehicle for falsehood and depredation.
Aegopodium Podagraria, L. See Gout-Weed, or Herb-Gerard.
Aesculus Hippocastanum, L. See Horse-Chesnut, and Flour.
ÆTHER, a term formerly used to signify a thin subtle matter, finer than air, and completely filling the whole space of the firmament.
Various opinions have been held respecting its precise nature: by some it is supposed to be a fluid of a peculiar kind, and confined to the regions above our atmosphere; by others, a substance so subtle and
