Chem. and Med. [f. atropa deadly nightshade, f. Gr. Ἄτροπος ‘inflexible,’ name of one of the Fates.] A poisonous alkaloid found in the Deadly Nightshade and the seeds of the Thorn-apple. Atropia, synonym of prec. Atropic a., of or pertaining to atropine, as in Atropic acid. Atropinism = ATROPISM. Atropinized ppl. a., poisoned by atropine. Atropism, poisoning by atropine.
1842. T. Graham, Elem. Chem., III. ix. § 4. 982. *Atropine, in all parts of Atropa Belladonna … possesses the power to dilate the pupil of the eye.
1877. Mrs. H. King, Discip., Ruffini (ed. 3), 19. The deadly drops of atropine Are mixed into the water and the wine.
1835. Penny Cycl., III. 50/1. *Atropia is insoluble in cold water.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 474. *Atropic acid … is said to resemble benzoic acid in form and volatility.
1876. Bartholow, Mat. Med. (1879), 311. The remarkable similarity in the symptoms of *atropinism and of scarlatina.
1875. H. Wood, Therap., 243. *Atropinized animals.
