Each convulsion usually lasts about one minute, and 
is punctuated by a relaxed condition of depression near- 
ing paralysis. After this 10-15 minute interperiod of re- 
laxation, almost any stimulus will induce the next spasm. 
If the person does not die during the convulsions, he 
gradually becomes weaker and the paralysis more promi- 
nent. Death ultimately comes from tetanic exhaustion 
or asphyxiation. 
In contrast to several other ordeal poisons, a repetition 
of administration led not to immunity but to increased 
susceptibility. (Underhill, 1924) 
Methods of employment varied from area to area, but 
there seems to have been a definite division between 
Gabon and its environs and the Belgian Congo. 
In Gabon, the tree was considered sacred, for the na- 
tives, knowing little of cultivation, had not seen fruits 
drop to the ground, but had noticed young shoots sprout- 
ing. They believed that this occurred spontaneously. 
This sacredness was patronized by the natives, who gath- 
ered the bark only in the daytime. For it was believed 
that, at night, the spirit of the plant was out watching 
for sorcerers and criminals. A further derivative of this 
belief is found in the natives’ practice of using the poison 
only on free men. ‘The unworthy slaves were either 
skinned alive or sold to cannibals. 
In this area, the mahogany-red root-bark of young 
plants was usually used in the ordeals. 
These roots were customarily gathered by medicine 
men who went alone to the woods. The plant was pulled 
up, the roots cut off, and the bark detached. This was 
grated into water and allowed to steep. Fermentation 
quickly took place, and after the effervescence had sub- 
sided, the water turned red and the poison was ready. 
In another method, the macerated bark was placed in 
water to soak for a day before use. 
[ 289 | 
