ASARALS. 
262 
BIRTHWORTS. 
trating resinous smell, and a pungent bitter taste. 
tain cases as an antispasmodic and ano 
Tt acts asa tonic, and in cer- 
dyne. It is peculiarly useful in supporting — 
the strength and in allaying the i 2 
action which attends great febrile debility, 
Dr. Chapman considers it “ admirably 
suited to check vomiting and to tranquillise 
the stomach 
cases.” 
5. A. anguicida Linneeus. . 
Leaves cordate, acuminate ; stipules cor- 
date, solitary, amplexicaul; calyx 
» more particularly in bilious 
Fig. 361, 
erect, with a lanceolate lip. 
Habitat. 
Carthagena and Mexico. 
Quality. The juice of the root chewed and 
introduced into the mouth of a serpent so 
stupifies it, that it may for a long time be 
handled with impunity ; if the reptile is 
compelled to swallow a few drops, it perishes 
in convulsions, 
The root is also reputed to 
be an antidote to serpent-bites. Jacquin,l.c. 
6. A. Guaco.—(The Guaco.) Fig, 362. 
Leaves thin, oblong, almost parallel- — 
edged, somewhat cordate, shortly 
acuminate, obtuse, smooth, 3-nerved 
at the base. : 
