OF THE USE 
19 2 
guefs its vertues. But now that we know^ 
that it is of the columniferous order, we may 
without experience be allured that it is of the 
emollient kind. 
Without this knowledge of the natural or- 
ders, the materia medica would be ilill as un- 
certain, as amongft the antients, which is of 
the utmoft importance to us if life and health 
be lb. 
§• * 3 * 
We are ready enough to put a due value 
on the larger animals, but many look on the 
minute tribe of infedte, rather created to tor- 
ment, than to be ufefull to mankind. We 
does the moufe with us. As foon as this ferpent appears the 
nveefel attacks him, and if (he chances to be bit by him, lhe 
immediately runs to find a certain vegetable ; upon eating 
which flie returns, and renews the fight. The Indians are 
of opinion, that this plant is the mungos . 
That celebrated traveller Ksempfer, who kept one of thefe 
^weefils tame, that eat with him, lived with him, and was 
his companion, wherever he went, fays he faw one of thefe 
battles between her and the ferpent , but could not certainly 
find out what root the <weefel looked out for. But whether 
the weefel firft difcovered this antidote, or not, yet it is cer- 
tain, adds Darclius, that there is a root, which is an infalli- 
ble remedy again!! the bite of the hooded ferpent . And this 
he undertakes to afcertain. 
grant 
