SCHOPF AMERICAN TRAVELS. 



canadense, Convohnhis purpureus (Purple Bindweed),* Gentianae 

 species (Sweet Bazil), Eryngium aquaticum, Sanicula canadensis 

 (Blacksnake-root), Rihes nigrum, Hypoxis erecta.-\ Urularia per- 

 foliata, Pyrola macula ta (Pipsissiwa), Phytolacca decandra (Cancer- 

 root), Asarum canadense & virginicum (coltsfoot). Spiraea trifo- 

 liata (Ipecac), Actaea racemosa (Blacksnake-root), Sanguinaria can- 

 adensis (Blood-root), Thalictri species, Ranunculus repens & alii, 

 Scrophidaria marilandica. Poly gala Senega (Virginia Snake-root), 

 Hieracium venosum, Prenanthes alba (Dr. Witt's Snake-root), Ser- 

 rafura s pic at a & squarrosa, Solidago canadensis, Brigeri species 

 (Roberts' Plantain), Aristolachia Serpcntaria (Rattlesnake-root). 

 Quercus nigra (Black oak), luglans alba & nigra (Black and white 

 v^dilnni) , Acer N egundo (White ash)t, Veratrum luteuni (Rattlesnake- 

 root), Osmunda virginiana, Adiantmn pedantum, Hypnum castrense. 

 Of these divers plants the roots mostly are pounded or ground and 

 ordered to be laid on the wound ; but of some, the leaves and bark 

 also. Alerely the inner bark of the white oak is laid on the previously 

 scarified salt-rubbed wound. Of the black and white walnut the inner 

 bark is to be beaten and the fibre twisted into a cord and this bound 

 about the wounded limb above the bite. The bark of the white ash 

 is burnt, the ashes made into a paste with vinegar and applied to the 

 wound, and at the same time a decoction of the bark and the buds is 

 to be drank. But among all the above-listed plants the Aristolochia 

 serpentaria and Polygala Senega have especially held the general es- 

 teem ; and to these must be added the Roberts' Plantain, which has 

 been praised by several, particularly the worthy Dr. Otto at Bethle- 

 hem, from positive and often confirmed experience, having many 

 times been of excellent use where signs of the poison taken up into 

 the blood were already plainly manifest. This plant, little known as 

 yet, grows well in hilly regions and is found in plenty about Bethle- 

 hem ; it is raised th%re foresightedly in gardens, so as to be found in 

 the night if occasion arises. Its leaves have a bitter, sharp, biting 

 taste. They are applied, freshly crushed, to the wound and often 

 renewed, and also a decoction made of them is copiously administered. 



Another tried remedy was made known many years ago bv Caesar, 

 a Carolina negro, who was rewarded by the State of North Carolina 

 with his freedom and a considerable sum of money. Having been 

 many times tried, the especial efficacy of this remedy seemed to be 

 admitted. It consists of the roots of the Hoarhound (Marrubium 

 album f) and Plantain (Plantago major vel lanceolataf). These roots 

 are mixed in equal parts, and three ounces of the mixture boiled in 

 two quarts of water until reduced by half; the patient takes a third 

 of this decoction three mornings together on an empty stomach. It 

 reduces the symptoms and if continued effects a complete cure. If 

 the fresh roots and simples are at hand they are pounded and ex- 



* With the juice of this plant, according to Catcsly, an Indian, having smeared his hands, 

 took hold of a rattIe-!-:nal<c and fingered it without fear or injury, 

 t Aletris farinosa (Star- root). 

 % Panax quinqucfolium (Ginseng). 



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