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 xmuov, as will be apparent on comparing 

 Plato's narrative with the general description of Nicander. 

 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 Plato — who, it must be remarked, was not 

 present at the death of Socrates,* 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. 



* Plato makes Phjedo inform Echecrates in the Dialogue, that he was absent ow- 

 ing to sickness. " UXxrm h, oip.#i, fofsm." (Platonis Dialogi. &c. p. 6.) 



