This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 12 August 2021
Plants We Used to Use 10. Deadly nightshade
I expect that young ladies no longer squeeze the juice of Deadly nightshade (Atropina bella-donna) into their eyes to make their pupils dilate. That's where 'bella donna' (beautiful woman) in the name of the plant comes from. It was thought to make them look sexy to princes in the Medieval court. Atropine (Atropina) is, however, very useful in eye surgery, especially for cataract operations!
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