AMYRIS GILEADENSIS. 
245 
a very small portion of a pale coloured essential oil is obtained, having 
the odour of the root, but with very little of its pungency, which 
remains in the inspissated extract. The alcoholic extract is more 
pungent than the watery, hence the active properties of snake root 
appear to reside. in a bitter resin and essential oil. 
Medical Properties and Uses, Serpentaria root is a 
stimulating diaphoretic, and is supposed to possess considerable 
tonic and antiseptic virtues ; formerly it was recommended as a 
medicine of extraordinary power, in counteracting the poisonous 
effects of the bites of serpents, but in modern practice it is chiefly- 
employed as a sudorific, and to support the powers of the system ia 
typhoid and putrid fevers. It has also been found to increase the 
power of cinchona in removing intermittents ; but in fever, in which 
an inflammatory diathesis is present, this root is apt to prove too 
stimulating ; and in most cases it is proper to exhibit an aperient 
previous to its exhibition. Snake root may be taken in substance, 
in doses of from ten to thirty grains once in four or six hours ; or in 
the form of the watery infusion, made by macerating half an ounce 
of the bruised root in six ounces of boiling water for two hours ; of 
the strained liquor, one or two ounces may be taken four or six 
times in the twenty-four hours. 
Off. The Root. 
Off. Pp. Tinctura Serpentaria, L. E. D, 
AMYRIS GILEADENSIS. 
Balsam of Gilead Amyris* 
Class OcTA^DRi A. — Order MoNOGYNiA. 
Nat. Ord. Terebintaceje, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Cct/ya-- four-toothed. Pe^a/« four, oblong-. Stig- 
ma four- corned. Berri/ drupaceous. 
Spec. Char. Leaves ternate, entire. Peduncles one-flowered, 
lateral. 
* Figi a, represents the fruit. 
VOL. II. 
2 M 
