as Alexipharmics or Snake-bite Antidotes. 161 
A decoction of the leaves and root of Umdaria grandiflora , 
Smith, is considered by the natives of North America a cure 
for the bite of the rattlesnake, and the fronds of Botrychium 
virginianum , Sw., are a reputed alexipharmic in St. Domingo. 
It would appear from the foregoing enumeration of plants 
reputed to possess the property of counteracting the influence 
of snake-poison that the larger number of species belongs to 
the natural order Aristolochiae, and exclusively to the genus 
Aristolochia. Altogether twelve species of Aristolochia are 
here mentioned. Next in importance come two or more 
species of Mikania and one species of Liatris belonging to 
the natural order Compositae. Two species of Dorstenia 
belonging to the natural order Urticaceae are mentioned. 
Two species belonging to the genera Chiococca and Ophior - 
rhiza represent the natural order Rubiaceae. The following 
natural orders are each represented by one genus, viz., Ranun- 
culaceae by Cimicifuga ; Loganiaceae by Strychnos ; Memi- 
spermaceae by Cissampelos ; Violarieae by Viola ; Geraniaceae 
by Oxalis ; Polygaleae by Poly gala ; Liliaceae by Uvularia\ 
Palmae by Corypha ; and Filices by Botrychium. 
It is only necessary to add that this enumeration of the 
plants reputed to possess alexipharmic properties is offered 
without any expression of opinion as regards their value. 
It is chiefly intended as an attempt to bring together for the 
first time a summary of information on the subject in order 
that inquiry may be made to confirm or refute the popular 
opinion respecting them. Opportunities to test the action of 
these plants on a person actually bitten by a well-known 
poisonous snake are seldom offered to a competent investi- 
gator. But as material is being brought together which can 
be carefully tested by chemical and therapeutical investiga- 
tions, the most prominent of these plants, such as species of 
Aristolochia and Mikania , deserve very careful attention. 
