Toxic Substance Collection (#2)

South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
Illustration of a South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)

Illustration of snake showing needle-sharp, recurved tooth

Illustration of frog being attacked by Funnel-web spider (Hadronyche sp. ) exuding poison
Illustration of frog being attacked by Funnel-web spider (Hadronyche sp.) exuding poison

Illustration of a Spitting cobra (Naja sp. ) squirting jets of poison towards a small mammal
Illustration of a Spitting cobra (Naja sp.) squirting jets of poison towards a small mammal

Illustration of hand squeezing rattlesnakes head to extract poison, close-up

Astronaut on an alien world discovers an artifact that indicates past intelligent life
An artists depiction of an astronaut on an alien world making a discovery of an artifact that is an indication of past intelligent life. The world is barren and rocky with a poisonous mist

A toxic nudibranch crawls slowly across a reef
A toxic nudibranch (Phyllidia varicosa) crawls slowly across a reef in Indonesia

Vintage WPA poster of a man decontaminating a brick building. It reads, Join Now, The office of civilian defense needs you for decontamination squads, WPA War Services of LA

Miner breaking up sulphur deposits at Kawah Ijen Volcano, Java, Indonesia
August 13, 2011 - Miner breaking up sulfur deposits at base of condensation pipes, Kawah Ijen volcano, Java, Indonesia

Doctor applying Bezoar stone
Physician applying a Bezoar stone to a victim of poisoning. The stone was extracted from the gall - bladder or stomach of an animal such as a goat or an antelope

Symptoms of long - term mercury poisoning
Symptoms characteristic of long - term mercury poisoning. From Jules Rengade " Les Grands Maux et les Grands Remedes", Paris, c1890

Arsenic

Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed), small, pinkish-white flowers and leaves on long stem

Digital illustration of Toxicodendron vernix or Rhus vernix (Poison Sumac), leaves and berries on stem

Digital illustration of Toxicodendron diversilobum (syn. Rhus diversiloba; Western Poison-oak or Pacific Poison-oak), leaves and berries on stem

Digital illustration of Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), green leaves and berries on stem

Plum-shaped tomatoes damaged by hormone weedkiller

Cevolla chanina menor, illustration
Manuscript, Italy, 15th century. Herbal from Trento. Plate: Cevolla chanina menor. Herb to treat food or drink poisoning. Manuscript 1591, folio 4, verso. Herbal with dedication to Saint Mark

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"Unveiling the Dark Beauty: Toxic Substances in Victorian Botanical Illustrations" Step into the enchanting world of poisonous and toxic plants, as depicted through intricate Victorian botanical illustrations. These captivating artworks shed light on nature's hidden dangers, showcasing a delicate balance between beauty and toxicity. Amongst the pages, Poisonous Mushrooms take center stage with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Beware their allure, for they hold deadly secrets within their spores. Venturing further, we encounter Medicinal Herbs that possess both healing properties and potential harm. Foxglove stands tall with its bell-shaped flowers containing Digitalis - a potent substance used to treat heart conditions but equally capable of causing harm if misused. Snap Dragon or Antirrhinum reveals its dual nature; while it may bring joy to gardens, it harbors toxins that can be harmful when ingested. Delving deeper into this mysterious realm, we discover Parsnip, Coriander, Hartwort intertwined with Hemlock – all captured meticulously by Victorian artists' skilled hands. Their detailed depictions serve as cautionary tales about these seemingly innocent plants hiding dangerous elements beneath their benign exteriors. The Hemloc Mandrake Worwood illustration from 1851 transports us back in time to witness ancient beliefs surrounding this plant's mythical powers. Revered for its supposed magical abilities yet feared for its toxic properties – a symbol of duality that continues to intrigue even today. As our journey unfolds through page after page of Poisonous and Toxic Plants illustrated during the Victorian era, we are reminded of humanity's ongoing struggle against hazardous substances. The haunting image of factories spilling toxic waste serves as a stark reminder that progress often comes at an environmental cost. Even historical figures like Augustus Caesar and Cleopatra were not immune to the allure of toxic substances; stories abound regarding their fascination with poisons as tools for power or self-destruction.