=Yew= (_Taxus baccata_) contains the alkaloid _taxine_. The symptoms are
convulsions, insensibility, coma, dilated pupils, pallor, laboured
breathing, collapse. Death may occur suddenly. Treatment as above.
Post-mortem appearances not characteristic, but fragments of leaves or
berries may be found in the stomach and intestines.
=Arum= (_Arum Maculatum_).--This plant, commonly known as 'lords and
ladies,' is common in the woods, and the berries may be eaten by
children. It gives rise to symptoms of irritant poisoning, vomiting,
purging, dilated pupils, convulsions, followed by insensibility, coma,
and death.
Many plants have an intensely irritating action on the skin, and when
absorbed act as active poisons.
=Rhus toxicodendron= is the poison oak or poison ivy. Poisoning by this
plant is rare in England, though not uncommon in the United States. Mere
contact with the leaves or branches will in many people set up an acute
dermatitis, with much oedema and hyperaemia of the skin. The inflammation
spreads rapidly, and there is formation of blebs with much itching.
There is often great constitutional disturbance, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, and pains in the abdomen.
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