86 ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA. 
quantity of root, submitted to the operation, be 
large, there arises a small portion of pale coloured 
essential oil of a considerable smell but of no very 
strong taste. There is probably a portion of - 
resin present, as I found that the root, after hay- 
ing been boiled in water an hour; still impregnated 
alcohol so as to cause a precipitate with water. 
The bitterness communicated to the infusion and 
decoction appears to reside in a variety of extrac- 
tive matter. . 
Medicinally considered, Serpentaria is a tonic, 
diaphoretic, and in certain cases an antispasmodic 
and anodyne. It has been abundantly used in 
fevers of various descriptions, and has been com- 
mended by a host of medical writers, ‘There. is 
no doubt that it has been injudiciously employed 
in many cases, in fever attended with an active 
pulse and inflammatory diathesis: The early 
staves, also, of febrile diseases rarely admit the 
exhibition of so decided a stimulant, without 
injury. But in the advanced stages of fever and 
those attended with typhoidal symptoms, this 
medicine is resorted to with great advantage, both 
alone and in combinaton with other tonics and 
stimulants. It is peculiarly useful in supporting 
the strength, and in allaying the irregular actions 
which attend great febrile debility, such as 
