Sarsaparilla
name of an order of dictyogens, the Smilacex. In pharmacy, the rhizome of Smilax officinalis, a native of Central America. The rhizome of sarsaparilla is popularly called the chump; one with roots and rootlets, the latter finely subdivided, is said to be bearded. Sarsaparilla is supposed to be diaphoretic, diuretic, demulcent, tonic, and alterative. It has been given with other medicines in syphilis, scrofula, etc.
Also, the sarsaparilla of Vera Cruz, Smilax medica, that of Peru S. purhampuy, literary work. In 1848 he purchased a half interest in the "Union Magazine," afterward called "Sartain's Union Magazine," which he edited and illustrated during the four years of its existence. Subsequently he held various offices, in the Artists' Fund Society, the School of Design for Women, and the Pennsylvania Academy; was elected a member of the Society Artis et Amicitiæ in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1862, and in 1876 had charge of the art department at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. He was the author of a large number of engravings for book illustration, and engraved many historical paintings, including Rothermel's "Battle of Gettysburg" and "The Iron Worker and King Solomon"; designed the monument to Washington and Lafayette in Monument Cemetery, Philadelphia; and published interesting personal reminiscences. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 25, 1897.