402 Prof. Curistison on the Poisonous Properties of Hemlock, 
harmonize better than their botanical descriptions with what is 
known of the modern Conium. The fullest account is that of 
Nicanver in his Argkipaguaxa ; and subsequent writers have 
either followed him, or, where they have deviated, seem to have 
had in their eye the supposed properties of the Athenian state- 
poison. “ Behold also,” says he, “ the baneful draught of Kavesov. 
For this potion carries destruction to the powers of the mind, 
[literally, to the head], bringing shady darkness; and makes 
the eyes roll. But staggering on their footsteps and tripping 
on the streets, they creep on their hands. And mortal stifling 
seizes the upper part of the neck, and obstructs the narrow pas- 
sage of the throat. The extremities grow cold; the strong ves- 
sels in the limbs contract ; he ceases to draw in the thin air, like 
one fainting ; and the soul visits Pluto.”* The Greek Kaveoy, 
according to this poetical version, rendered into brief prose, brings 
on obliteration of the mental faculties, dimness of sight, giddi- 
~ Kas ve cv xavers BAaBosv Texmaigco mun. 
Kewo zroroy On yore Te xecgnats Dosvoy lant, 
Nouxra Degoy cxoroerrny. ZOunrev OF nett Orcs. 
"Tyvece de TParsgos TE xots umrosovTes ayvias, 
Xegouy ePeerruCect * nanos Ovmo yetute Tb LOS 
*Tobusce zoe Dapuyyos TrEbny eeePeuooer ces GHeoy. 
*Axga de ot Poxes wees De Masses eyDobs yuray 
“Papeareces oTErAAoVTOUI 6 OyEgce maveov arilet, 
“Ore xatruBorcwv® aboxn 3 aidaven Acurce. 
Nixavdee AALEi Dat gpecencts Editio Parisiis 1587, p- 140. 
Tu quoque signa male jam contemplere cicutz. 
Hee primum tentat caput, et caligine densa 
Involvit mentes; oculi vertuntur in orbem ; 
Genua labant. Quod si cupit ocyus ire, caducum 
Sustentant palme corpus; faucesque premuntur 
Obsesse, et colli tenuis preecluditur isthmus. 
Extremi frigent artus, latet abditus imis 
In venis pulsus, nihil inspiratur ab ore. 
Fata instant, Ditemque miser jamjam aspicit atrum. 
[ Interprete J. Gorreo. | 
6 
