SARAPH ; SHEPHIPHON ; TSEPHA' ; TSIPIVONI.] 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 motives ori ginating in fear ; and others of the ovoviparous race are suffered to abide in human dwellings, and are often supplied with food, from causes not easily determined, excepting that the serpent is ever considered to be possessed of some mysterious superhuman knowledge or power. Hence, beside real species, ideal forms, taken from the living, but combining other or additional properties, occur, at the most early periods, as metaphorical types, in fable and history, and in the hieroglyphics and reli gious paintings of many nations.
The asserted longevity of the serpent tribe may have suggested the representation of the harmless house-snake biting its tail as typical of eternity ; and this same quality was no doubt the cause why this animal, entwined round a staff, was the symbol of health, and the distinctive attribute of the clas sical IEsculapius and Hygia. There are species of this genus common to Palestine and the southern parts of continental Europe ; they were domesti cated in Druidical and other Pagan sanctuaries, and were employed for omens and other impos tures ; but the mysterious Ag or Hagstone was asserted to be produced by the venomous viper species. [For the mantic use of serpents see Div'.