4. On the Kombi Arrow-Poison (Strophanthus hispidus, DC.) of the Manganja district of Africa

Abstract

In nearly every narrative of exploration in uncivilised tropical regions, accounts are given, often no doubt somewhat fanciful, of poisonous substances which are said to possess the most remarkable properties. Usually these poisons are of vegetable origin; and the great majority may be included in the two divisions of ordeal and of arrow poisons, according as they are applied to one or other of these purposes. Among the most remarkable of the ordeal poisons are the Tanghinia venifera of Madagascar, the Physostigma venenosum of Old Calabar, and the Akazga poison of the Gaboon; and of the arrow-poisons, the famous Curara or Wourali of South America, and the Antiaris toxicaria of Java.