We might here mention many other plants and animals of a poisonous nature which are found in foreign countries; but, as our observations are chiefly intended for this island, we shall pass these over. It may not however be amiss to observe, for the benefit of such of our countrymen as go to America, that an effectual remedy is now said to be found for the bite of the rattle-snake.—The prescription is as follows: Take of the roots of plantain and horehound, in summer, roots and branches together, a sufficient quantity; bruise them in a mortar, and squeeze out the juice, of which give, as soon as possible, one large spoonful; if the patient be swelled, you must force it down his throat. This generally will cure; but, if he finds no relief in an hour after, you may give another spoonful, which never fails.—If the roots are dried, they must be moistened with a little water. To the wound may be applied a leaf of good tobacco moistened with rum. We give this upon the faith of Dr. Brookes, who says it was the invention of a negro; for the discovery of which he had his freedom purchased, and a hundred pounds _per annum_ settled upon him during life, by the General Assembly of Carolina. It is possible there may be in nature specific remedies for every kind of poison; but as we have very little faith in any of those which have yet been pretended to be discovered, we shall beg leave again to recommend the most strict attention to the following rules, _viz._ That when any poisonous substance has been taken into the stomach, it ought, as soon as possible, to be discharged by vomits, clysters, and purges; and, when poison has been received into the body by a wound, that it be expelled by medicines which promote the different secretions, especially those of sweat, urine, and insensible perspiration; to which may be joined antispasmodics, or such medicines as take off tension and irritation; the chief of which are opium, musk, camphire, and asafœtida. CHAP. XLVII. OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE. In the first edition of this book the venereal disease was omitted. The reasons however which at that time induced me to leave it out, have upon more mature consideration vanished. Bad consequences, no doubt, may arise from ignorant persons tampering with medicine in this disorder; but the danger from that quarter seems to be more than balanced by the great and solid advantages, which must arise to the patient from an early knowledge of his case, and an attention to a plan of regimen, which, if it does not cure the disease, will be sure to render it more mild, and less hurtful to the constitution.