94-2 
to be 17 distinct species and varieties ; and affords an interminable field of work 
for a botanist of Rafinesquian tendencies. The Rattlesnake Root is indigenous to 
North America, where it ranges from New Brunswick and Canada, to Florida, 
being especially abundant northward. It habits the sterile soil of open grounds 
and hilly wood-borders, and blossoms in August and September. 
As Gall-of-the-Earth, it has been known in domestic practice from an early 
date, and is said to be an excellent antidote to the bite of the rattlesnake and other 
poisonous serpents,—one who searches through the domestic literature of medi- 
cinal plants, wonders why the bite of snakes ever has a chance to prove fatal.— 
As an alexiteric, the milky juice of the plant is recommended to be taken inter- 
nally, while the leaves, steeped in water, are to be frequently applied to the wound ; 
or a decoction of the root is taken. A decoction of the root has been found useful 
in dysentery, anemic diarrhoea, and as a stomachic tonic. 
Prenanthes is officinal in none of the pharmacopceias. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole plant, gathered during the 
flowering season, is treated as directed under Lappa.* The resulting tincture has 
a beautiful deep-orange color by transmitted light; an odor similar to that of the 
root; a bitter, astringent taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—No analysis of this species has been made 
to determine a specific principle. An analysis of the root of P. a/ba—too nearly 
allied to this species—by Neri. B. Williams,+ showed the presence of resins, tannin, 
extractive, gum, and waxy matters. . 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 94. 
1. Inflorescence, Binghamton, N. Y., Aug. 25th, 1886. 
2. A lower leaf. 
3. A portion of leaf-margin. 
4. Flower. 
5. Involucral scales. 
6 and 7. Floret. 
(3-7 enlarged.) — 
* Page 92-2. + Thesis, Am. Your. Phar., 1886, 117. 
