246 ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA 



rhizomes and rootlets of other species of Aristolochia, more espe- 

 cially those of Aristolochia reticulata, Nutt, are sometimes sub- 

 stituted for the serpentary root derived from Aristolochia 

 Serpentaria; indeed, these parts of Aristolochia reticulata are 

 official in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. This serpentary 

 root closely resembles the old serpentary root in odour and taste, 

 although it is somewhat less aromatic ; and also in appearance, 

 except that the rhizome is a little thicker, and the rootlets less 

 matted together. Should any of the leaves, however, be mixed 

 with this root they are at once a distinguishing character, being 

 nearly sessile, leathery in texture, and evidently reticulated on 

 their lower surface. This Serpentary root is commonly known 

 is Texan or Red River Snakeroot. Examined by Mr. Thomas 

 Wiegand, of the United States, it was found to have essentially 

 the same chemical composition as the true serpentary root. The 

 rhizomes and rootlets of other species of Aristolochia, as, for 

 instance, those of A. hirsute, Muhl, are also said to be sometimes 

 mixed with the rhizomes and rootlets of A. Serpentaria. 



Various other roots and rhizomes are also occasionally substi- 

 tuted for, or mixed with, serpentary root, either fraudulently or 

 by accident, such as the roots of Spigelia marilandica, L., 

 the rhizomes of Cypripedium pubescens, L., and of Hydrastis 

 canadensis, L. ; and the roots of Panax quinquefoUum, L. These 

 are all readily distinguished from Serpentary root if only ordinary 

 care be exercised, as their characters are very different from it, 

 and need, therefore, no further notice from us. 



Medical Properties and Uses. As its common and specific 

 names of Snakeroot and Serpentaria imply, Serpentary had 

 formerly a high reputation for the cure of the bites of venomous 

 serpents ; indeed, it was first introduced into regular medical 

 practice as a remedy in such cases, but like all the so-called 

 specifics of vegetable origin which have been introduced for 

 destroying the effects caused by venomous reptiles it is no 

 longer regarded as of any remedial value. As a stimulant, 

 tonic, diaphoretic, and diuretic, it is, however, a medicine of some 

 repute ; but in too large doses it causes nausea, flatulency, griping 



