as Alexipharmics or Snake-bite Antidotes . 157 
The belief in the antidotal powers of Aris to lochia is very pre- 
valent in the New World, and especially in tropical America. 
These plants are known to be powerful stimulants, and they 
are regarded by modern physicians as diaphoretics, stimulant 
tonics, and emmenagogues. Their antidotal properties are 
however not fully established. The array of testimony in 
favour of their alexiteric properties is nevertheless so over- 
whelming that it is incredible that these virtues should be 
purely imaginary, and the subject seems to demand a careful 
and dispassionate investigation \ 
The Virginian Snake-root, A. Serpentaria , was in great re- 
pute amongst the early Indian tribes as a cure for the bites 
of venomous snakes. It is chiefly used now as a simple 
stimulant tonic. It is stated by Barham 1 2 , in respect to A . 
odoratissima , L., that ‘the roots and seeds are very bitter, 
hot, and odoriferous, and are most excellent alexipharmics or 
counter-poisons, strengthening the heart, stomach, and brain ; 
they cure the bites of serpents, and the poison of Indian 
arrows. I am of opinion, it exceeds the Spanish Contrajerva, 
especially in dropsies.’ 
The Spanish Contrajerva here mentioned refers to species 
of Dorstenia , of which Dorstenia Contrajerva , L., and D. 
braziliensis , L., have long been known as counter-poisons. 
In common with species of Aristolochia , these Dorstenias 
possess certain stimulant properties which doubtless brought 
them first into notice. An interesting account with plate is 
given of Dorstenia Contrajerva, by Descourtilz in Flore Medi- 
cale des Antilles, vol. iii. p. 256, t. 207. A good figure of 
Dorstenia braziliensis is given by Nees von Esenbeck in 
Plantes Medicinales, Dusseldorf, t. 99. 
There is little more to be said respecting these plants, but 
it is interesting to note that the name of Contrayerva [or 
Contrayerba] applied to them is shared in Jamaica by a 
1 Dr. Hance has discussed this subject from the historical point of view in the 
Journal of Botany, vol. iii. (new series), p. 72, and some of the facts mentioned 
by him are here quoted. 
2 Hortus Americanus, p. 44. 
