HH^H

SEVA

395

Chemically they are composed of the usual vegetable principles, alongwith Cathartink, on which their purgative property depends. Theactive parts are taken up by water and proof spirit, to which theygive a brown colour, and rectified spirit, which they tinge of a finegreen. Boiling destroys them.Medicinally senna is purgative and hydragogue, and in form of powdermay be given in doses of gr. xv to 5j> with cream of tartar andginger. It is apt to gripe, unless modified by aromatics. The bestform is the infusion.Enters into Confect. Senns. L. E. D. Extr. Cassife Sennae. E. Infus.Sennee. L. D. Infus. Tamarindi cum Sennae. E. D. Pulv. SennaComp. L. Syr. Sennae. D. Tinct. Sennae. L. E. D.Sepia. See Os Sepi^e.

Serpentarm; Radix. L. E. D. Virginian Snake Root, or Birthwort.Aristolochia serpenlaria. A native of North America. It is anaromatic smell, somewhat like valerian, and a hot, pungent, andbitterish taste, similar to camphor.Adulterated with other roots resembling it, which are mixed with theparcels before importation. The genuine is commonly in a verydirty state, and of a small fibrous form. The taste and smell willmaterially assist in distinguishing them.Chemically it contains a volatile oil, and a resinous substance, con-stituting its active ingredients, which are given out to alcohol andwater.Medicinally it is tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, and hasbeen given combined with bark in intermittents and typhus, and inconvalescence from acute diseases. It is also prescribed in dyspepsia,with dry skin, and perhaps acts somewhat like taraxacum on thebiliary secretion. The dose of the powder is 3j to 3J, but theinfusion, or tincture, are generally preferable.Enters into Tinct. Serpentariae. L. E. D.Serpyllum. Thyme, or Wild Thyme. See Oil of Thyme.Serum Lactis. See Whey.Sesamum Orientale. P. The expressed oil of the seeds is emollient,

and prescribed to allay itching, &c.Seseli Tortuosum. P. The seeds are an acrid aromatic.Sevadilla. P. Veratrum sabadilla. The seeds with the capsules arebitter, acrid, drastico-cathartic, and emetic. It is given as a vermi-fuge to children, in doses of gr. ij to gr. x, and to adults in doses ofgr. xij to 3j, mixed with honey, and giving a purgative every fivedays. (Schmucker.)Poisonous, producing hypercatharsis, vomiting, convulsions, and death.The best treatment is to promote vomiting, and to give demulcents.