37 
The green berries have proved fatal, and tubers grown exposed to the 
air have caused illness, and undoubtedly are unwholesome. 
The Common Nightshade (S. dulcamara), one of the nearest allies 
to the potato, has been taken by mistake. Its berries are very 
poisonous, the black berries of S. nvjra are still worse, and the whole 
plant is poisonous. 
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and other introduced species are all 
bad. Herbalists have dabbled with this plant to the cost of their 
credulous patients. 
The Meadow Saffron or Autumnal Crocus ( Colchicum autumnalis), 
a pretty but dangerous plant, is found in bloom in our meadows in 
September and October. The bulbs and spring shoots have been 
eaten by mistake for onions, the leaves and decoctions of the flowers 
have caused death. 
The Caper Spurge (Euphorbia lathy ns) is exceedingly dangerous in 
the fresh state, but when pickled is used as a substitute for capers, 
although it is questionable whether it is a wholesome article of diet. 
Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) has been used fatally as a 
pot herb. 
The Common Sorrel (llumex acetosa), a favourite addition to salads, 
sauces, &c., on the continent, whilst quite wholesome in moderation, 
has, on account of the large quantity of binoxolate of potash it contains, 
caused serious illness when taken in excess. 
The Common Elder (Sambucns nirjra). Who has not heard of (or 
perhaps felt) the effects of elder wine for the head ? Elder-flower water 
in some villages is supposed to be highly beneficial to the complexion, 
at the same time an infusion of the berries without fermentation is 
reported to have caused serious illness, although, as far as we are aware, 
when ripe they contain no noxious properties. The leaves and flowers 
are irritants, and have caused very severe illness (a). A case ended 
fatally through taking the sap from the roots (b). 
The Dwarf Elder (S. ebulm) has caused death. 
The Great Water Parsnip (Siam latifolium) has been eaten in 
mistake for watercress, and caused instant death. 
The Common Laurel (P. lauro-cerasus) before referred to, has 
added many cases to the accidental list, the leaves often used in 
custard, when overdone by ignorant cooks have caused illness, whilst 
the fruit and decoctions of the leaves have caused death. Entomologists 
know how powerful the leaves are, especially the young growth which 
contains a large amount of prussic acid A Another plant with the same 
active principle is the peach. Christison gives two instances of 
poisoning by the flowers, in both cases they were taken for medicinal 
purposes, the kernels of course contain a quantity of prussic acid, and 
if eaten in excess might very easily prove fatal. 
Cherry Kernels (Prunus avium) when eaten in quantities have also 
proved fatal. 
The Celandine (( 'helidonium majus) according to Stephenson and 
Churchill, has caused many deaths. 
The Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) contains a poisonous substance 
with emetic properties. Injudicious use has caused illness. 
(«) Ed. Med. and Sur. Jour., xxxiii., 73. 
(b) Med. Gaz., xxxv., 9G. 
