Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/72

J^J SEP generally of the sizo of an egg : their surface appears wrinkled, and less bright than the inner substance. It is destitute uf sitiell, and lias little or no taste. I^rge quantities of Gum Senega are annually consumed by dyers and artihcors ; but this drug is now seldom used as a medicine.— In Africa, it constitutes a principal ingredient in native dishes, being previously dissolved in milk ; though the solution, taken alone, is like- viie a favourite repast of the ne- groes. — On importaiion, it is sub- '}e€t to a duty of djd. per cwt. SENNA, or Cassia senna, L. an €xotic shrub cultivated in Persia, Syria, and Arabia, whence its dried leaves are imported. The)' are of a yellowish -green colour, have a feint, thou'^h not unpleasant smell ; and a sub-acrid, bitterish, nause- ous taste.— There is a spurious sort of this drug obtained from Tripoli, and other places; but the frand may be easily dete6ted ; as the latter is of a fresh green colour, without any yellow shade. Senna is an useful purgative, operating mildly, though effedual- ly ; and at the .same time promoting the secretion ot"urir>e. Its ill fla- vour may be correded, by slightly boiling the leaves in water ; and, being apt to occasion gripiiij^s, it should be conjoined with any pro- per aromatic tincture, or distilled ■water; dried lemon or orange pe?l; fennel or aniseeds : — toincrense its etfc^ks on the bowels, manna, rhu- barb, tamarinds, tigs, or prunes, are generally added. In a state of powder, the dose of senna is from a scruple to a dram ; but, when taken in dccoftion, from one to three or four dranis are required. — Qa importaiion, it paysO^d. per lb.. SEPxt'oii.. ISecToiiMEXXit, the SER SERPENT, an appellation glvea to an order of reptiles comprising, among other kinds, the Viper and Snakb. ConsLstf-ntly with 6ur plan, wc cannot enter into any disquisition respetling the real or supposed fascinating jrawers of the reptile race ; we shall therefore state the remedies to be employed, in case a person should be unfortunately stung, or bitten. Such disaster is indicated by acute pain in the wound, accompanied with swell- ing, which is at first red, though it afterwards assumes a livid hue, and extends to the contiguous parts ; by uncommon faintness j a quick, low, and intemipted pulse ; great nausea, attended with convulsive and bilious vomitings; cold sweats, and sometimes by pains in the region of the navel. A sauious liquor, in most instances, exudes from the spot atfefted, round which arise small pustules : the patients skin acquires, in the course of an hour, a yellow a)lour, resembling that usually observed in the jaun- dice. — ^These are the symptoms generally occurring in Europe; but, in hot climates, and if the venomous creature be of a large size, the distressing scene is often closed by death. Numerous remedies have been recommended for the cure of wounds inflifted by serpents. Dr. Mead advises the poisonous mat- ter to be extracted by means of a cupping-glass, or (which is prefer- able, if it can be etFefted) by the mouth ; in which the person suck- ing the part should hold a little warm olive oil, to prevent the lips and tonguefrom being inflamed; though he observes, that the sudion ought on no account to be deferred for want of oil ; as a dalay of a few minutes might be produdlve of tht