It's probably safe to say that a great number of accidental poisonings were a result of mistaking one thing for something else. Case in point--- the death cap mushroom....
This harmless-looking fungus is responsible for most of the world's deaths by fungal poisoning. The problem lies in the fact that this deadly mushroom closely resembles several different edible varieties and the unsuspecting woodland hiker might be tempted to gather a few, not knowing what they had collected for their last evening meal....
Knowing that a single death cap mushroom could have enough toxin to kill a healthy adult, it's enough to put a person off mushrooms for life.
The toxic traits of this forest dweller have been known since ancient times, lending itself as a possible contributor to the death of the Emperor Claudius at the hands of his wife, Agrippina. Claudius was known to have a penchant for mushrooms. His wife was known to have a penchant for poisoning, having done away with her current husband to marry Claudius.
Though the exact cause of Claudius' death is still questioned, one account holds that he was fed a meal of his favorite mushrooms laced with an emulsion of the death cap, ensuring his timely death would set up Agrippina's son, Nero, as the next emperor of Rome.
Having a taste for mushrooms myself, I think maybe it'd be a good idea to skip the mushrooms on the next pizza I order, just to be safe...
This harmless-looking fungus is responsible for most of the world's deaths by fungal poisoning. The problem lies in the fact that this deadly mushroom closely resembles several different edible varieties and the unsuspecting woodland hiker might be tempted to gather a few, not knowing what they had collected for their last evening meal....Knowing that a single death cap mushroom could have enough toxin to kill a healthy adult, it's enough to put a person off mushrooms for life.
The toxic traits of this forest dweller have been known since ancient times, lending itself as a possible contributor to the death of the Emperor Claudius at the hands of his wife, Agrippina. Claudius was known to have a penchant for mushrooms. His wife was known to have a penchant for poisoning, having done away with her current husband to marry Claudius.Though the exact cause of Claudius' death is still questioned, one account holds that he was fed a meal of his favorite mushrooms laced with an emulsion of the death cap, ensuring his timely death would set up Agrippina's son, Nero, as the next emperor of Rome.
Having a taste for mushrooms myself, I think maybe it'd be a good idea to skip the mushrooms on the next pizza I order, just to be safe...
Death Cap Daze
What's that strange-tasting little morsel,
sitting atop my fire-roasted flatbread?
Distant cousin to the forest morel,
what's that funny buzzing in my head?
--- e.a.s. demers
Yes!!!! you did the Death Cap Mushroom. Bows to your awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteYes ma'am, I did... and I bow to your inspiration, my dear :-)
DeleteThere's a fungus among us. {Someone had to say it.}
ReplyDelete{ami}
http://sundrysumthins.wordpress.com/
LOL...true--- I'm actually surprised I didn't think to include it in my actual post :-D
DeleteAHHHH! I love mushrooms! But I REFUSE to gather them in the woods! And Maine is crawling with good mushrooms....I'm just not that stu...er..brave.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you... I'd never pick mushrooms in the forest--even as tempting as it might be...
DeleteIsn't there something in their taste that tips you off to the poison? How frightening. A walk in the woods could kill you.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Unfortunately, there isn't... and that's the problem. Death cap mushrooms have a pleasant taste, and not one that might alert you, especially if they're mixed into a dish (you probably wouldn't even taste them at all)...
Deletewow - doesn't look so yummy to me I have to say
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd have to agree.... might keep me from eating mushrooms for quite a while, lol :-)
Delete