sition unknown) and eseridine (C15;H2iN3Qs), are thought 
to be decomposition products of physostigmine, which 
is relatively unstable. Calabarine, however, is antagonis- 
tic to physostigmine, but is usually present in such small 
quantity that its effects are negligible. In older beans, on 
the other hand, this principle might well, as a result of 
decomposition, have been present in large quantities. It 
stimulates the spinal cord in a manner similar to strych- 
nine. Eseridine is essentially a purgative agent. 
The following is an account of the observed effects of 
a fatal dose: (Balfour, 1860) Until about ten minutes 
after ingestion, the individual felt no ill effects. At that 
moment, however, he began to get thirsty, and experi- 
enced severe stomach cramps which the ceremony of the 
ordeal decreed he should bear without showing his pain. 
This progressive thirst was accompanied by an increasing 
flushing and swelling of the face which caused the victim 
to assume a stupid, drunken look. Then followed a pro- 
trusion of the eyes, trembling, and heavy salivation, 
which eventually became frothy. An intense contraction 
of the pupils of the eyes, heavy bowel movements, and 
increased difficulty in breathing accompanied this stage. 
As the limbs began to lose their usefulness, the person 
walked as if drunk. Soon, however, he lost the power to 
stand. This paralysis spread from the lower extremities 
upwards until the victim was in a general state of paraly- 
sis. Shortly after this, the poison reached the medulla, 
and with the incapacitation of the respiratory organs and 
the cardiac musculature, the person died. This resulted 
usually about thirty minutes after the ingestion of the 
beans. It is interesting to note that, up until the last 
stages of paralysis, reflex actions were still intact and the 
victim was able to converse coherently and sensibly. 
Conversely, a judgement of innocence came from the 
following reactions. The accused experienced nausea and 
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