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Nothing certain is known of its virtues ; but Dr. Kirkpatrick (Cat. of Mysore Drugs, No. 455) considers that its properties as a febrifuge are deserving of investigation ; and Dr. Fleming, judging from the aromatic bitterness of the root, is of opinion that it will be found useful in dyspepsia {Asiat. Researches, vol. xi.). Dr. Gibson regards it as valuable in bowel affections. From its sensible properties, and the high esteem in which it is held by the natives, it may be worthy of further notice. It is as an antidote to snake bites, however, that it has obtained most repute, and by the early Portuguese settlers was termed Raiz de Cobra, from its supposed efficacy in those cases, even in the bite of the Cobra de Capello. The leaves, and the expressed juice of the leaves, have more recently been brought to notice in the same class of cases by Mr. Lowther (Journ. of Agri.-Horb. Soc. of India, 1846', vol. v. pp. 138, 742, and vol. vii. p. 42.) (Ph. Ind.). It seems to be, however, more used by the native Madras physicians for snake-bite than in the Dekkan or Concan where I come from. I am not aware of the drug being experimented on by any European physicians. It is worth a trial on theoretical grounds certainly (K.R.K.).

In Bombay it is chiefly prescribed in the bowel complaints of children ; and in cholera it is regarded as a stimulant tonic, and is also applied externally to the abdomen. Babu T. N. Mukharji states that the juice of the fresh leaves is very useful in the croup of children, by inducing vomiting, without causing any depression.

Dr. S. M. Shircore of Moorshidabad states that it is undoubtedly used to procure abortion.

" With regard to the antidotal properties ascribed to Aristolochise, Dr. Hance remarks that undoubtedly no genus comprising a large number of species, widely diffused over both hemispheres, has been so universally credited with alexiteric properties as Aristolochia, and this, too, in all ages, and in every condition of society, alike by the wandering savage and the polished citizen or learned physician of a highly civilized commonwealth.* * * *

" Modern physicians seem with one accord to regard these plants as diaphoretics, stimulant tonics, and emmenagogues only; but the array of testimony from all quarters of the globe, and extending over a period of more than two thousand years, in favour of their alexiteric properties, is so overwhelming, that it is in my judgment incredible that these virtues should be imaginary."— (Ph. J. March 15, 1873, pp. 725-726.)