Sardonic Grin
Scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy claimed to have identified hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) as the plant responsible for producing the sardonic grin. This plant is the most-likely candidate for the "sardonic herb," which was a neurotoxic plant used for the ritual killing of elderly people in Phoenician Sardinia. When these people were unable to support themselves, they were intoxicated with this herb and then dropped from a high rock or beaten to death. Criminals were also executed in this way.
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Corky-fruited water dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides)
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Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) in spring
Read more about this topic: Water Dropwort
Famous quotes containing the words sardonic and/or grin:
“The sardonic funeral towers of metropolitan finance.”
—Lewis Mumford (1895–1990)
“There must be something solemn, serious, and tender about any attitude which we denominate religious. If glad, it must not grin or snicker; if sad, it must not scream or curse.”
—William James (1842–1910)