Photo credit: Museum of London
This is a photograph of the belladonna root, from which Atropine is derived
Atropine is a drug that is extracted from the belladonna root. It was used during the Victorian era as a cure for many symptoms and a remedy for the pain of surgeries. And although it was not originally isolated in the Victorian era, its uses in pure crystalline form were discovered. Today, it has been replaced with similar and synthetic versions that do not carry as many side effects as the original extraction. Among atropine’s many uses are: Pain reduction, eye dilation, inhibiting the mucus and salivary glands, and can also be used to prevent poisoning. Although it was not as commonly used as some other drugs during this period, it is still a very important medicine for specific medical needs.
