Author: Robert Bevan-Jones Publisher: Windgather Press ISBN: 1909686220 Category : Nature Languages : en Pages : 351
Book Description
The botanical history of Britain and North West Europe has a dark and a light side. Plants have been used as weapons to harm people, taken deliberately as addictive drugs and also employed as tools in witchcraft and used as magical amulets. Yet many of these same plants have been medicinally vital to numerous European communities; as the author notes, frequently the only difference between a benevolent medicine and a poison is dosage. In this book, which is richly illustrated with modern colour photographs and illustrations from herbals, Robert Bevan-Jones brings together a wealth of documentary and archaeo-botanical sources to discuss the cultural, social (and anti-social) role of the fifty most significant species of poisonous plants and fungi found in Britain, either as natives or as introductions. An introductory essay puts into context the development of British society's knowledge of toxic plants: the 'cultural botany' applied in Britain today has evolved over thousands of years, absorbing information from European texts and importing useful plants from Europe, such as the mandrake. The book's central A to Z section - from aconite to yew - then informs the reader about the history and uses of 43 species of poisonous plants, especially those that have a documented history of medicinal usage. Four important fungi species - death cap, liberty cap, fly agaric and ergot - also have separate essays. As well as the plants' histories and appearance, their chemical constituents receive coverage; these give them powerful and diverse properties, which demand our admiration and respect. The book aims to add to the knowledge offered by field identification guides, and help reduce the risk associated with accidental ingestion. Case histories are given in as much detail as possible and the information will hopefully help the reader understand the properties of plants they may encounter, either in an archaeological, botanical or horticultural context. Most of these plants can yet be found growing in woodlands, parks, botanical gardens, roadsides, waterways, churchyards and abbey sites. This is an essential book not only for botanists and historical ecologists, but also for anyone interested in the toxic plant traditions of Britain and Europe.
Author: Nancy J. Turner Publisher: Timber Press ISBN: 160469145X Category : Nature Languages : en Pages : 376
Book Description
If people knew how many poisonous plants are commonly found in homes and gardens, they'd be shocked. Plants as common as monkshood, castorbean, and oleander are not just dangerous, they're deadly. The North American Guide to Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms is a comprehensive, easy-to-use handbook. The book is split into four main categories: mushrooms, wild plants, ornamental and crop plants, and houseplants. Each plant entry includes a clear photograph to aid the task of identification, a description of the plant, notes on where they commonly occur, and a description of their toxic properties. Plants are listed by common name to assist the non-specialist.
Author: Elizabeth A. Dauncey Publisher: Princeton University Press ISBN: 0691178763 Category : Art Languages : en Pages : 224
Book Description
"This richly illustrated book provides an in-depth natural history of the most poisonous plants on earth, covering everything from the lethal effects of hemlock and deadly nightshade to the uses of such plants in medicine, ritual, and chemical warfare"--Dust jacket.
Author: Elizabeth A. Dauncey Publisher: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew ISBN: Category : Family & Relationships Languages : en Pages : 184
Book Description
"This accessible guidebook is the result of a longstanding collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Medical Toxicology Information Services at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, London. Helpful descriptions and more than 230 photographs will assist you in identifying 132 of the most poisonous plants and plant groups likely to be encountered as pot plants, in flower beds and vegetable plots, and in more natural environments"--Page 4 of cover.
Author: Andrew G. Mtewa Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 1119650232 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 444
Book Description
Focusing on phytochemicals and their potential for drug discovery, this book offers a comprehensive resource on poisonous plants and their applications in chemistry and in pharmacology. Provides a comprehensive resource on phytotoxins, covering historical perspectives, modern applications, and their potential in drug discovery Covers the mechanisms, benefits, risks and management protocols of phytotoxins in a scientific laboratory and the usefulness in drug discovery Presents chapters in a carefully designed, clear order, making it an ideal resource for the academic researcher or the industry professional at any stage in their career
Author: Fred Gillam Publisher: Wooden ISBN: 9781904263876 Category : Poisonous plants Languages : en Pages : 58
Book Description
If you thought only mushrooms and toadstools had it in for humans, think again! These fair isles shelter a multitude of extremely vicious killers, about which every sensible rambler and picnicker should be informed.
Author: Marion R. Cooper Publisher: Stationery Office Books (TSO) ISBN: Category : Gardening Languages : en Pages : 456
Book Description
Supersedes 1st edition which bore the title "Poisonous plants in Britain & their effects on animals and man" (1981, ISBN 0112425291). - No public library subsidy available on this item
Author: Michael Brown Publisher: Grub Street Publishers ISBN: 152670840X Category : Nature Languages : en Pages : 331
Book Description
“Readers who enjoy plants and offbeat tales will find Brown’s book a happy mix” (Publishers Weekly). Mankind has always had a morbid fascination with poisonous plants. Over the centuries, poisonous plants have been used to remove garden pests—as well as unwanted rivals and deceitful partners. They have also been used for their medicinal qualities, as rather dangerous cosmetics, and even to help seduce a lover when perceived as an aphrodisiac. Some of these and other uses originate in a medieval book that has not yet been translated into English. This book delves into the history of these plants, covering such topics as: How shamans and priests used these plants for their magical attributes, as a means to foretell the future or to commune with the gods How a pot of basil helped to conceal a savage murder The truth about the mysterious mandrake A conundrum written by Jane Austen to entertain her family—the answer to which is one of the plants in this book These stories and many more will enlighten you on these treacherous and peculiar plants, their defensive and deadly traits, the facts behind them, and the folklore that has grown around them.
Author: Robert Bevan-Jones
Author: Nancy J. Turner
Author: Elizabeth A. Dauncey
Author: Charles Johnson
Author: Elizabeth A. Dauncey
Author: Charles JOHNSON (Botanical Lecturer at Guy's Hospital.)
Author: Andrew G. Mtewa
Author: Fred Gillam
Author: Marion R. Cooper
Author: Michael Brown