VEGETABLE POISONS. 171 



resources of the constitution are not sufficient to 

 resist the morbid effects of the poison. 



With respect to the treatment of these most 

 formidable symptoms, when produced by the 

 bite of the rattle snake, the cobra de capello, 

 and of other foreign serpents, without experience, 

 we can have little to offer but conjecture. From 

 analogy, we should be disposed to treat them 

 upon the same principle as we know to be suc- 

 cessful in the bite of the viper the only veno- 

 mous serpent to be met with in our country ; and 

 which, if followed up with vigour and perseve- 

 rance, we should entertain very little doubt of 

 success, 



We are told of a variety of remedies, however, 

 that are used in countries where these animals 

 prevail ; but these are so opposite in their nature 

 and tendency, that we hardly know how to attach 

 importance to their efficacy. 



The serpentarii, or virginian snake root, and the 

 seneka, or rattle snake root, are each used topically 

 in the form of poultices, and given internally ; and 

 have had the reputation in America of curing the 

 bite of the rattle snake and of other American ser- 

 pents. And the head of the animal bruised and laid 

 upon the part affected, as well as the topical appli- 

 cation of a paste prepared by the Indians, to which 

 they have given the appellation of snake-stone, 

 are also reputed specifics in such cases ; but we 

 fear the efficacy of each is entitled to but little 



