84 
in soup. The objectionable taste caused the frustration of the 
intended murder. The prisoner was convicted of the attempt (a). 
The Common Laurel (Prunm latiro-ceramts) was the subject of a 
murder trial in 1781 ( b ). In that case the prisoner substituted two 
ounces of laurel water for medicine, which was equal to nearly 2i 
grains of pure prussic acid. As might be expected the patient died 
within half an hour of taking the draught. 
The Common Spotted Hemlock (Conium maculatum) was used at 
Ipswich in a murder case (c), the prisoner, however, was acquitted for 
want of evidence. It was also used in a case at Dessau (d). 
The Deadly Nightshade or Belladonna (Atropa belladonna ). The 
alkaloid of this plant atropine has been used in two criminal cases, in 
neither of which was a conviction sustained (e). 
Tobacco (Xicotiana tabacum ) and the other cultivated species and 
varieties, A', a (finis, &c., have been used for many criminal purposes, 
drugging liquors, Ac.; and in Belgium nicotine was the subject of a 
murder trial (/). The residue left in pipes is a very strong poison, a 
child has been killed by sucking an old pipe, yet we have found in the 
country that it is a common practice to give children pipes to play 
with. A small portion of nicotine out of a pipe will kill a snake in 
about 30 seconds. We have tried it on adders in the New Forest, so 
you can imagine children not doing well on it. 
The Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium ) and other allied species 
are favourite poisons in the east, the Indian Thugs are specially 
partial to it, and not long ago it was used extensively in Germany and 
Paris to cause loss of consciousness preparatory to the commission of 
various crimes. The flowers of some species will produce faintness, 
especially in a small room, but the heavy scent might be a warning. 
A case of Vat lira poisoning is recorded from Osnabruck (//). 
A number of plants have been used for improper purposes, and 
have so become the subject of criminal proceedings, of these we will 
mention a few. 
Yew (Taxus baccata ) has been used on several occasions, the 
alkaloid taxine being a severe irritant. Animals have also been 
poisoned by it, owners of gardens with yew-trees overhanging fields 
should be careful, for lie who plants a dangerous thing within reach 
of his neighbour’s cattle is liable for any damage ensuing (A). 
Rue (llnta ijraveolem) has also been used and is frequently employed 
in France (/). 
Ergot of Rye (Clariceps jmr/mrea). This fungus which appears on 
the rye in damp seasons is well known for its use for criminal purposes, 
many cases are recorded (./). 
(a) Gaz. Med., January 3rd, 1846. 
( b j R. v. Donellan, Taylor Poisons, 717. 
(<•) II. v. Bowyer, Ipswich Sum. Ass., 1848. 
(d) Guy and Ferrier, 582. 
( e ) 11. v. Sprague, Exeter Aut. Ass., 1848, R. v. Stie'e, Mm cluster Lent. 
Ass., 1872. 
( f) Ann. d’ Hyg., 1851, vol. 2, p. 187. 
in) Taylor Poisons, 785. Christison, 841. 
(/() Crowhurst v. Amersham Burial Board, 4 Ex., 1). 5. 
(i) Taylor Poisons, 783. 
(j) It- v. Caldcr, Exeter Lent. Ass., 1844, R. v. Baddelcy, C.C.C., July. 1877. 
