Poison

Poison

In the context of biology, poisons are substances that cause disturbances to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. The fields of medicine (particularly veterinary) and zoology often distinguish a poison from a toxin, and from a venom. Toxins are poisons produced by some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut.

Read more about Poison.

Famous quotes containing the word poison:

    I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but never with a view to injury and wrongdoing. Neither will I administer a poison to anybody when asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a course. Similarly, I will not give to a woman a pessary to cause abortion. I will keep pure and holy both my life and my art.
    Hippocrates (c. 460–c. 370 B.C.)

    Shall I let in the stranger,
    Shall I welcome the sailor,
    Or stay till the day I die?
    Hands of the stranger and holds of the ships,
    Hold you poison or grapes?
    Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)

    My heart pumps yet the poison draught of you.
    William Empson (1906–1984)