oe <e, will stupefy 
138-2 
of both hemispheres. Leaves alternate, petioled, generally cordate, entire, and 
deciduous ; s##pules opposite the leaves, or wanting. Aestvation valvate ; flowers 
brown or lurid, perfect, and usually solitary. Ca/yx tubular, conspicuously peta- 
loid, coherent with the ovary; 42m coriaceous, regular or irregular. Stamens 6 or 
12, somewhat united with the style, or more or less distinct, inserted upon an 
epigynous disk; /daments short, or wanting; axthers adnate, extrorse, 2-celled; 
dehiscence longitudinal. Ovary 6-celled ; s¢y/e short and thick, or wanting; ségmas 
radiating, more or less lamellate. /yuzt a 3- to 6-celled, dry capsule, or succulent 
berry. Seeds numerous, rounded or angular, anatropous; raphe prominent and 
fleshy ; embryo minute, basal; a/bemen sarcous. 
The only plant of this order, outside the genus Aristolochia, in our Materia 
Medica, is the European emetic, cathartic, diuretic, and sternutatory Asarabacca 
(Asarum Europeum, Linn.). The American Wild, or Indian Ginger (A. Cana- 
dense, Linn,), though not exhibiting the action of the European species to any 
great extent, except, mayhap, the errhine power, will, without doubt, soon be added 
to our medicaments, 
History and Habitat—Serpentaria is indigenous to North America, ranging 
from the State of Connecticut to Indiana, and thence southward. It grows in rich, 
shady woods, and blossoms in July. The flowers of this plant, like those of 
Asarum, are usually hidden beneath the dry leaves and loose’ top-mould of its 
chosen localities. 
Strange as it may seem, almost all the species of this large genus are 
esteemed, by the natives of the countries in which they grow, as remedies 
against the poisonous effects of snake bites (Alexiterics) ; this use being fully 
known to each nation without previous communication with each other. Only one 
species has been proven beside Serpentaria, viz.: The Brazilian Snake-root 
Aristolochia (Milhomens) (A. cymbifera, Mart.), which was formerly considered 
alexiteric, antiparalytic, antiperiodic, and aphrodisiac. Among the more or less 
prominent species are: The Texan or Red River Snake-root, A. reticulata, Nutt., 
the chemistry of which has been proven by Wigand* to be nearly identical with 
that of Serpentaria; the North European A. clematitis, Linn., once noted for its 
emmenagogue and febrifugal properties; the South European A. pistolochia, having 
properties similar to those of Serpentaria, and A, longa, Linn., 4. betica, Linn., 
. and A. rotunda, Linn., used in Germany as emmenagogues, antiarthritics, and stim- 
ulants. The South American 4. fi/obata, Linn., is said to be superior in quantity 
_ and quality of action to Serpentaria, it being an energetic sudorific in doses of 6 
to 20 grains. The Brazilian A, anguicida, Linn., is thought, by Humboldt and 
. Lindley, to be the source of the celebrated alexiteric guaco of the Colombians ; 
: it is stated that a few drops of the juice of this plant, placed in the mouth of a 
_ Snak it, and a larger dose cause its death. The East Indian Gardi- 
_——- gavapoo (A. bracteata, Retz.), is anthelmintic and antipsoric; and 4. Indica, Linn. — 
ae emmenagogue, antiarthritic and stomachic, Other alexiterics are A. bilobata (Brazil), 
ee ee er. Phar xvi,¥O. 
