Belladonna

a European plant, atropa. belladonna, or deadly nightshade, natural order solanacew. It is native in Great Britain. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and the incautious eating of the berries has often produced death. The inspi ated juice is commonly known by the name of extract of belladonna. It is narcotic and poisonous, but is of great value in medicine, especially in nervous ailments. It has the property of eausing the pupil of the eye to dilate. The fruit of the plant is a dark, brownish black shining berry. The name signifies beautiful lady, and is said to have been given from the use of the plant as a cosmetic.