were all supposed to be fatal. Native folklore abounds 
with tales of people and cattle dying from the slightest 
contact with any of these elements. However, it is diffi- 
cult to surmise how these stories became established, for 
scientific investigation has disclosed that, although the 
active principles erythrophlein and coumingine (C29H47- 
NOg¢) are present in varying concentrations throughout 
the plant, it is hardly likely that death would result from 
any action other than that of ingesting the bark. 
These active principles are extremely powerful in their 
normal concentration, and join the glycosides strophan- 
thin and ouabain in having the effect of digitalis poison- 
ing. Upon ingestion of a decoction of the root or stem 
bark, the victim experienced purging and/or vomiting. 
The heartbeat slowed, then quickened. Respiration be- 
came labored. Finally, as the individual was losing con- 
sciousness, the heart and respiration stopped simultane- 
ously. 
AFRICA 
The ordeal poisons of the African continent were far 
more abundant than those of Madagascar, yet the great 
majority of trials by ordeal occurred in the area between 
the 20th northern and the 20th southern parallels. 
The toxic plants from which these poisons were ob- 
tained are common and well-distributed throughout this 
area, although their individual use as ordeal poisons was 
often restricted to certain locations. 
Since the abundance of poisonous plants and the many 
possible means of employing them were continually in 
the natives’ minds, security from poisoning was un- 
known. Consequently, a number of insurance measures 
cropped up. Among the more interesting and common 
of these was the custom of a host, when entertaining a 
guest, to sample all the food placed before that person, 
[ 279 | 
