jg2 O F T H E U S E 



guefs its vertues. But now that we knowf 

 that it is of the columniferous order, we may 

 without experience be afTured that it is of the 

 emollient kind. 



Without this knowledge of the natural or- 

 ders, the materia medica would be flill as un- 

 certain, as amongft the antients, which is of 

 the utmoll importance to us if life aind health 

 be fo. 



We are ready enough to put a due value 

 on the larger animals, but many look on the 

 minute tribe of infeds, rather created to tor- 

 ment, than to be ufefuU to mankind. Wc 



does the moji/e with us. As foon as this ferpent appears the 

 *z^f;?/^/ attacks him, and if (he chances to be bit. by him, Ihe 

 immediately runs to find a certain vegetable; upon eating 

 which ihe returns, and renews the fight. The Indians are 

 of opinion, that this plant is the miwgos. 



That celebrated traveller Kcsmpfer, who kept one of thefe 

 nveefels tame, that eat with him, lived with him, and was 

 his companion, wherever he went, fays he faw one of thefe 

 battles between her and the ferpent^ but could not certainly 

 find out what root the n.vee/el looked out for. But whether 

 the ixjeefel firft difcovered this antidote, or not, yet it is cer- 

 tain, adds Darclius, that there is a root, which is an infalli- 

 ble remedy againft the bite of the hoo dec} ferpent. And this 

 he undertaktt to afcertain. 



grant 



