Poison Arrows

A comprehensive survey of organic compounds used as poisons—on arrows and spears, in food, and even as insecticides—by numerous Native American tribes. Biological warfare is a menacing twenty-first-century issue, but its origins extend to antiquity. While the recorded use of toxins in warfare in some ancient populations is rarely disputed (the use of arsenical smoke in China, which dates to at least 1000 BC, for example) the use of “poison arrows” and other deadly substances by Native American groups has been fraught with contradiction. At last revealing clear documentation to support these theories, anthropologist David Jones transforms the realm of ethnobotany in Poison Arrows. Examining evidence within the few extant descriptive accounts of Native American warfare, along with grooved arrowheads and clues from botanical knowledge, Jones builds a solid case to indicate widespread and very effective use of many types of toxins. He argues that various groups applied them to not only warfare but also to hunting, and even as an early form of insect extermination. Culling extensive ethnological, historical, and archaeological data, Jones provides a thoroughly comprehensive survey of the use of ethnobotanical and entomological compounds applied in wide-ranging ways, including homicide and suicide. Although many narratives from the contact period in North America deny such uses, Jones now offers conclusive documentation to prove otherwise. A groundbreaking study of a subject that has been long overlooked, Poison Arrows imparts an extraordinary new perspective to the history of warfare, weaponry, and deadly human ingenuity. “A unique contribution to the field of American Indian ethnology. . . . This information has never been compiled before, and I doubt that many ethnologists in the field have ever suspected the extent to which poison was used among North American Indians. This book significantly extends our understanding.” —Wayne Van Horne, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Kennesaw State University

A gripping and groundbreaking history of how ancient cultures developed and used biological, chemical, and other unconventional weapons of war Flamethrowers, poison gases, incendiary bombs, the large-scale spreading of disease: are these terrifying agents of warfare modern inventions? Not by a long shot. In this riveting history of the origins of unconventional war, Adrienne Mayor shows that cultures around the world have used biological and chemical weapons for thousands of years—and debated the morality of doing so. Drawing extraordinary connections between the mythical worlds of Hercules and the Trojan War, the accounts of Herodotus and Thucydides, and modern methods of war and terrorism, this richly illustrated history catapults readers into the dark and fascinating realm of ancient war and mythic treachery.

Stanley Feldman is a leading light in the field of modern anaesthetics, a former Professor of Anaesthetics at London University and was appointed to the Imperial College School of Medicine. He is the author of many books, papers and lectures on the subject. He is also the author of Life Begins..., a positive guide to retirement, and co-editor of the acclaimed Panic Nation with Vincent Marks.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The first biological weapon was invented by the Greek hero Hercules, and the roots of the concept go back even before the Greek myths were written down by Homer in the eighth century BC. Poison and arrows were deeply intertwined in the ancient Greek language itself. #2 Hercules was tasked with killing the Hydra, a monster that had many heads. He used fire to cauterize each neck as he chopped off a head, to prevent it from sprouting new ones. But the middle head was immortal. He hacked it off and buried it alive. #3 The first victims of Hercules’ arrows were some of his oldest friends. When he attended a party hosted by his Centaur friend, the half-man, half-horse, Pholus, many Centaurs were felled by Hercules’ poisoned arrows. #4 The myth of Hercules and the Hydra shows the dangers of self-inflicted wounds or accidents with poison projectiles. Even a scratch could be devastating, and the Hydra poison multiplied in power as it spread through Hercules’ body.

Traces the origins of biological and chemical warfare, discussing the use of poison arrows, germ-infected traps, combustibles, and dangerous animals and insects in ancient times while considering the moral ramifications of such applications. 20,000 first printing.

Looking for luck, love, wealth, and health? The world's best-selling writer on feng shui takes you step-by-step down the road to happiness! Lillian Too, renowned author of books and articles on this ancient Chinese art, divulges the secrets of controlling the powerful forces of ch'i to bring success into our lives. With 179 tips on everything from personalizing interior decoration to improving family relations, it's the most practical, thorough, systematic, and stunningly illustrated guide to eliminating every obstacle standing in the way of contentment. Enrich personal space by identifying auspicious corners, good fortune directions, and life-enhancing elements, and organize the household to intensify their beneficial qualities. Need to improve finances? Grow orange or lime plants, whose ripening fruits symbolize prosperity, or hang coins or bells on the doors. Sleep on an authentic Feng Shui bed, let carpets create solid foundations, and fill vases with the right flowers. Protect the home or office fr om the "shar chi" or "killing breath" of open shelves. And there's a reason traditional Chinese matriarchs keep cleaning paraphernalia out of sight-they know that visible brooms will "sweep away" the family's livelihood. Try one of many effective methods for ensuring togetherness and harmony between kinfolk, for helping children do well at school, and for attracting romance. As you put these time-tested ideas into practice, you'll feel your world getting better and better! 160 pages (all in color), 7 3/4 x 9 1/4. DELUXE PAPERBACK WITH FLAPS.

Benefit from the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui Take a look around you. What do you see? Whether or not you're aware of it, your environment profoundly affects your health, wealth, family life, relationship, and yes, even your destiny. Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway), which means wind water, is the ancient Chinese study of harmony and energy flow between you and your physical surroundings. Now, Feng Shui For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you how you can apply Feng Shui principles to your home (inside and out) and workplace (from window office to cubicle) in order to achieve a better life. Principles are explained in an easy-to-understand language Practical tips show you how to incorporate the traditions of Feng Shui to your everyday life Before-and-after illustrations and full-color photos of real-life Feng Shui makeovers in an all-new 8-page color insert Free of technical jargon and brimming with practical tips and advice, Feng Shui For Dummies shows you how to feel and access the energy of your environment and create harmony and happiness in your life.

In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, when you change the placement of objects in your living space, you change a corresponding area of your life. With Gemstone Feng Shui, you can affect change by using gemstones according to feng shui principles This book provides an easy-to-understand introduction to feng shui and gemstones, and includes a guide to the uses of sixty-three specific gemstones. Here's a sample of what gemstones can do for you: ·Amber--attracts luck, calms energy, and aids in building vitality ·Cat's-eye--protects against poverty ·Coral--promotes love and harmony, and helps build community ·Diamond--helps build relationships and support longevity ·Garnet--fosters confidence and success ·Jade--aids in remembering dreams and solving problems ·Jet--engenders honor and justice ·Lapis lazuli--strengthens personal expression and intuition Put the natural energy of the earth's treasures to work for you.