The Book of Poison Lore Books

Description

About abominable poisons, their acquisition, and the art of stopping the effects caused by them.

Text

The Book of Poison
about abominable poisons and their remedies

Bane
A particularly evil potion, which causes certain death even in small quantities. It is widespread especially in Bohemia and Austria, because the plants necessary for its preparation are everywhere plentiful. Do not expect much benefit from the knowledge of this poison, for it can be used for nothing but killing.
When an unfortunate man who has swallowed this poison comes to you for advice, give glory to God, for it is a miracle that he is still alive. For a little while thou mayest observe in him the blackness of the eyes, the dryness of the body, or the looseness of the muscles, but then send for the priest at once. Even a few drops will cause certain death, and there is no guaranteed antidote in the whole wide world.
If you have to cook this abomination, prepare yourself some wine, a handful of wormwood and twice as much belladonna. Then you shall finish the evil work with Fly agaric. Boil the mixture until you have a clear liquid, almost imperceptible in taste and smell.

Pitohui Bird Poison
This is one of the rarest, for it is obtained only from the feathers and skin of the Pitohui. This creature, of a black and yellow colour, has its origin far beyond the land of the Indians, and the touch of it causes considerable trouble to man. The killers, therefore, have no need to prepare any decoctions, but only to make headdresses and necklaces of the feathers for their victims.
Those who come into contact with the feathers of the Pitohui often feel a tingling and tension in their muscles. This condition can persist for days, giving the murderer the time he needs to escape. In such cases, it is enough to burn the feathers and the poisoning will pass. If, however, the unfortunate ingests the essence of the feathers prepared by a long boil, expect more serious consequences. The victim first stiffens and soon dies, unless a drink of sea-water and crushed stone from the mountains of Monti Pallidi, which thou shalt find in the Italian land, be prepared in time.

Dollmaker Potion
This potion is especially useful because it soothes and relieves pain. It is therefore a favourite among the physicians. If you rub even a few drops on the skin of a wounded man, you can cut him without causing him suffering. Men who are hasty in their love rub their manhood with this potion too, so that it may become numb and they may manage to please their wives.
A fool who tastes even a sip of the potion will experience total numbness, his intestines will become clogged, and he may lose his sight for a while. Fortunately, the stomach will eject this disgusting potion before it has time to have its pernicious effect, unless the body has already been weakened.
If you need to replenish your supply of this decoction, prepare yourself a strong liquor, a handful of valerian and twice as much herb paris. Remember, however, not to boil the valerian in the liquor, but only to put the crushed valerian into the cold decoction!

Kiss of Death
Although difficult to prepare, this potion is often used because its pleasant aroma can be confused with ordinary cooking. It is also said among the poor that this mixture can be used to turn metals into gold.
The Kiss of Death will first cause a stomachache. It makes the skin red and blistered, the bowels painfully empty at both ends, the udders stiffen in spasm, and the nails break. And then thou shalt know that death is certain, but before that thou mayest relieve the poor man with a bezoar put under the tongue. In quick reaction, a mixture of hot milk, vinegar, and garlic can also be used to cause the poison to be thrown up.
If you want to make this poison, take a new clay pot, put a handful of red copper, half a bottle of strong water, arsenic, oak bark, and rose water inside. Boil it all, and test it with an iron nail. When the muddy mixture has completely coated the iron, you will know that you have cooked enough.

Lullaby
This poison will not bring quick death, but its effects may be even more terrible. It soothes a man in a reasonable quantity, and gives him rest, that his body may be speedily healed, but if it be given by a person of dishonest intentions, his victim falls into a sound sleep, in which he does not feels his body, and may be treated so unkindly and cruelly. If drank oftenly, the healthy spirit then leaves the body.
A man intoxicated with the Lullaby concoction feels faint, his tongue is confused, his head is heavy, and he soon falls asleep. When more than in moderation, however, a man drinks suddenly, he vomits it up, and it loses all its effect.
If you want to relieve people around you with Lullaby, prepare for yourself oil, thistle, herb paris and especially a handful of poppies, which give the decoction a vibrant odour and a sparkling color, and can overcome the disgust of herb paris.