This vintage pharmaceutical bottle once held powdered extract of Belladonna (Atropa Belladonna), manufactured by Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, U.S.A. Labeled boldly as “POISON”, the preparation contained 1.15–1.35% alkaloids, primarily atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds act as powerful anticholinergics, historically used to relieve muscle spasms, asthma, and gastrointestinal pain — but with narrow therapeutic margins and high risk of fatal overdose.

The label provides strict dosage guidance and even lists antidotes, including tannic acid, morphine, physostigmine, pilocarpine, and artificial respiration. This level of caution reflects the drug’s notorious danger.

Belladonna, also known as “Deadly Nightshade”, has a long and infamous history. From cosmetics (dilating women’s pupils to appear more alluring — hence “bella donna,” or “beautiful woman”) to poisonings and witchcraft, its reputation straddles both medicine and menace.