Deadly nightshade. Atropa belladonna, from the Greek fate Atropos, who cut the thread of life, and the Italian for "beautiful woman." Mark Anthony's troops during the Parthian wars
chanced upon an herb that was mortal, first taking away all sense an understanding. He that had eaten of it remembered nothing in the world, and employed himself only in moving great stones from one place to another, which he did with as much earnestness and industry as if it had been a business of the greatest consequence. Through all the camp there was nothing to be seen but men grubbing upon the ground at stones, which they carried from place to place. But in the end they threw up bile and died, as wine, moreover, which was the one antidote, failed.
The effects come from the alkaloid constituents of the berries, plant, and roots: atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. They are highly toxic chemicals.
They are also highly useful medicines if, say, you are exposed to nerve gas. Or if you have the flu for a week.
Last night I was able to eat (and retain) half a tuna fish sandwich and some soup, and who knows: maybe today I'll build a rock garden.
Posted by Nic at March 19, 2005 08:00 AM