SERPENT (sEr'pent), (Heb. naw-khawsh', a snake).
(1) Two Classes. Serpents may be divided generally into two very distinct sections,—the first embracing all those that are provided with mova ble tubular fangs and poison bags in the upper jaw ; all regarded as ovoviviparous, and called by contraction vipers; they constitute not quite one fifth of the species hitherto noticed by naturalists. The second section, much more numerous, is the colubrinc, not so armed, but not therefore always entirely innocuous, since there may be in some cases venomous secretions capable of penetrating into the wounds made by their fixed teeth, which in all serpents are single points, and in some species increase in size as they stand back in the jaws. The greater part, if not all, of the innocu ous species are oviparous, including the largest or giant snakes, and the fielamis and hydrophis, or water serpents, among which several are ven omous.
Scriptural evidence attests the serpent's influ ence on the early destinies of mankind; and this fact may be traced in the history, the legends, and creeds of most ancient nations. It is far from being obliterated at this day among the pagan, barbarian, and savage tribes of both continents, where the most virulent and dangerous animals of the viviparous class are not uncommonly adored, but more generally respected, from mo tives originating in fear ; and others of the ovipa rous race are suffered to abide in human dwell ings, and are often supplied with food, from causes not easily determined, excepting that the serpent is ever considered to be possessed of some myste rious superhuman knowledge or power. (See