DICOTYLEDONS 121 



The effect of this plant, writes Mr. Johnson, 

 is pecuh'ar in causing, first great excitement, and 

 afterwards stupefaction and death. The pupil of 

 the eye is usually much dilated. A remarkable 

 case of poisoning occurred in 1806, when the berries 

 were sold in London as edible fruits by some 

 ignorant dealers. Two persons who partook of 

 them died, and others narrowly escaped. 



It was probably the Belladonna which proved 

 disastrous to some troops under Mark Antony 

 as described by Plutarch. He says that those 

 who sought for herbs obtained few that they were 

 accustomed to eat, and in tasting unknown plants 

 they found one which caused insanity and death. 

 He that had eaten thereof immediately lost all 

 memory and knowledge ; but at the same time 

 would busy himself in turning and moving every 

 stone he met with, as if he were engaged in some 

 very important pursuit. The camp was filled with 

 unhappy men bending to the ground, and digging 

 up and removing stones, till at last they were 

 carried off by a bilious vomiting, when wine, the 

 only remedy, was not at hand. 



In modern times it is reported that one hundred 

 and fifty soldiers suffered from the ill effects of 

 this plant in the early part of last century. 



Dr. Tanner observes that there is often a dis- 

 position to laugh and talk loudly, to have fanciful 

 delusions, with a difficulty of walking ; symptoms 



