Points de vue romains sur la diffusion et les effets du poison

Whatever their genre, Latin texts from the Classical period show that poison acts by diffusing the whole body like wine, and that it leads to decay. Yet poison also alters moral integrity, provoking torpor and amnesia. Finally, if there are physical and behavioural signs which indicate poisoning, it can still be difficult to prove, and the effect of poison on the individual retains an element of mystery, illuminated by certain myths