and its Alkaloid Conia. 407 
hemlock, and with the phenomena presented in the experiments 
described in the present paper. It seems also not less at va- 
riance with the ideas entertained by the Greeks of the poisonous 
operation of their zw», as will be apparent on comparing 
Puaro’s narrative with the general description of NicanveER. 
And lastly, it seems to me incompatible with the ascertained ef- 
fects of every poison whatsoever, which is known in modern 
times ; for I think it will puzzle the most learned toxicologist to 
point out any poison which has the property of occasioning cold- 
ness and stiffness of the limbs, proceeding gradually upwards, 
and proving fatal without causing either pain or sopor. 
There seems, then, no alternative but to conclude, either that 
the description of PLaro—who, it must be remarked, was not 
present at the death of Socrarss,* as many imagine—is not a 
detail of facts, but an embellished narrative, written for effect ; 
or that, although we are now acquainted probably with fifty 
times as many poisons as the ancient Athenians, and with many 
which are fifty times as active as any in their list, we have 
lost acquaintance with one with which the ancients were quite 
familiar, and which differs totally from every known poison in its 
action. 
es ee See 
* Piato makes PHzDo inform Ecuecratzs in the Dialogue, that he was absent ow- 
ing to sickness. “ TAwray d¢, dicot, iodsves.” (Platonis Dialogi. &c. p. 6.) 
