864 THE AGARICACEAE OF MICHIGAN 



can be counteracted by tbe drug atropin. Hence A. muscaria in- 

 toxication is somewhat amenable to treatment 



Physicians should be able to distinguish between these two forms 

 of poisoning. Symptoms are not always definite enough to be 

 relied upon, and specimens of the mushroom which has been eaten 

 should be identified. Local or near-by botanical centers are always 

 glad to be of service in such problems. 



A number of minor poisonous species of mushrooms (about 

 twenty) produce symptoms, when eaten, which resemble the action 

 of muscarin. These species have not been given the importance and 

 attention which they deserve. They usually also have an emetic 

 action which prevents fatal consequences. Some of them are violent 

 gastrointestinal irritants and may thus add gravity to the illness. 

 Deaths from them are almost unknown in healthy adults. Deter- 

 mination of the species is of great practical and scientific import- 

 ance, since these minor cases are more numerous than is generally 

 supposed. 



Physicians and students of mycology should report cases in 

 medical or botanical journals. Cases reported in the newspapers 

 should be investigated. 



Species closely related botanically may differ very widely in 

 poisonous quality, though this is not usual. No variety should be 

 eaten until its specific name has been determined by competent au- 

 thority. If its edible qualities are not known or are in dispute, 

 testing should proceed cautiously. The eating of mixed lots is to 

 be condemned unless the user positively knows the reputation of 

 each species to be good. Parboiling is a partial safeguard. None 

 but clean, fresh specimens should be used, and these should be 

 thoroughly cooked and indulged in only in moderation. Most 

 mushrooms are not easily digested. Warmed-over portions are 

 occasionally found to have developed toxic principles. 



Good and abundant edible varieties are common, and the lover of 

 fungi need take no chances. He can easily acquire a personal 

 edible list, and can add new species to it as his knowledge and 

 experience grow. Scientific mycology should precede mycophagy 

 and increase one*s pleasure in eating fungi. 



