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Deadly nightshade and black nightshade
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Deadly nightshade and black nightshade
Deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna, and black nightshade, Solanum nigrum (Solanum hortense). Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), Weimar, 1795
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Media ID 23157612
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Atropa Belladonna Bertuch Bilderbuch Deadly Educational Encyclopedia Friedrich Hortense Johann Kinder Nightshade Nigrum Poison Solanum Toxic
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving, taken from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1795, features two intriguing and toxic plants: Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum, formerly known as Solanum hortense). Deadly nightshade, depicted on the left, is a striking plant with bell-shaped purple-black flowers and glossy green leaves. Its name is a testament to its deadly nature, as all parts of the plant are highly poisonous. The plant contains powerful alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death if ingested. Historically, Deadly nightshade has been used for medicinal purposes, but its toxicity requires extreme caution. Black nightshade, on the right, is a common weed with small black or purple berries and oval leaves. Despite its name, it is not truly a nightshade, as it belongs to a different genus than Deadly nightshade. Black nightshade is edible and is often used in cooking, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. However, it is important to note that the leaves and unripe berries can be toxic, and the ripe berries should only be consumed in moderation. This illustration serves as a reminder of the natural world's beauty and complexity, as well as its potential dangers. The hand-colored copperplate engraving technique used in this print adds an extra layer of intrigue and detail, making it an educational and visually captivating piece. This image is a valuable addition to any encyclopedia or natural history collection, providing a glimpse into the past and the fascinating world of botany.
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