THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 133 



Among the substances in popular use in the western States of the 

 Union, I ought not to omit to speak of the sulphate of alumina or alum. 

 This and other astringents are principally useful in that stage of the 

 affection when hemorrhages are liable to occur, and they may then be 

 employed with advantage both as internal remedies and local applica- 

 cations. 



It may be expected that I should here speak of those plants which, 

 under the name of rattlesnake weeds or roots, possess, in the popular 

 behef, a specific virtue against the bite of this serpent. The plant 

 known under this name in man}^ parts of the west is a species of Liatris, 

 having a broad leaf with spines along the edges. It has a pungent 

 aromatic taste, and is a diffiisible stimulant of moderate force. The 

 manner in which it is generally used is by beating it up into a poultice 

 and placing it upon the part, and also taking an infusion as a drink. 

 It has no specific virtues as an antidote, as I have known deaths to 

 occur after its use ; but as a stimulant it may be, in some degree, useful. 



There are many other plants, also, reputed to possess similar virtues, 

 among which may be mentioned Erijngium aquaticum, or button- 

 snake root ; several species of Impatiens, or jewel weed ; the Ewpa- 

 torium perfoliatum, or boneset ; the Scrophularia , the Scutellaria, 

 the Planiago, and probably many others; of all of which it is 

 sufficient to say, that there is no conclusive evidence to justify their 

 being regarded in the fight of specifics, though, like the Liatris, they may 

 be more or less useful in certain cases. 



As remedies are by some deemed important from having been used 

 by the Indians, it may be mentioned that the ImiuUiens, or jewel weed, 

 is said to be often employed by them. A medical officer of the army 

 informs me that the common nettle applied as a poultice, and taken in 

 infusion, is a favorite treatment among the Cherokees. For this, as for 

 hydrophobia and most diseases, there are secret remedies, possessing, 

 according to report, the most instantaneous and marvellous power of 

 neutralizing the action of the poison. 



There exists, according to popular belief, a tree whose smallest 

 branch or leaf has the effect if placed before a serpent of rendering him 

 so timid and fearful that he will neither bite nor resent the roughest 

 treatment, nor can he live in the region where it grows. The leaves 

 possess the power (according to the same vague report) when beaten 

 up and placed on the bitten part of instantly causing the pain to cease; 

 so that the patient, like one touched by a hand of miraculous power, 

 is straightway cured. The tree which is reported to possess such 

 virtue is nothing else than a species oi^ Fraxinus, or common ash. It is 

 certain that it has none of the powers ascribed to it, either on the 

 actions of the serpent or the effects of its venom. 



Having made many experiments, with a view of determining the 

 action of various substances on the venom of the rattlesnake and on 

 the woorara, I have found but one which, in any degree, neutralizes it 

 without destroying the tissues of the part. 



The solution of iodine and iodide of potassium in water possesses the 

 power, when properly used, of invariably retarding death, if it does not 

 prevent it. The manner in which the experiments were conducted 



