Phantastica: A Classic Survey on the Use and Abuse of Mind-Altering Plants

Rating:
Summary: Landmark Study
Review: This classic of ethnobotany was first published in 1924. Louis Lewin (1850 - 1929) was a world famous pharmacologist and this interesting work remains a landmark of psychedelic research.

The preface provides an overview of psychological considerations; the introduction looks at the motives for the use of these substances, the importance of the mental constitution in relation to external stimuli, tolerance and habituation, and immunity against poisons.

The author then looks at the mode of action and the classification of narcotic and stimulant drugs. The next section, EUPHORICA, investigates mental sedatives like opium, cocaine and codeine and its derivates. Next is PHANTASTICA (on hallucinogens) which deals with anhalonium lewinii, Indian hemp, fly agaric and the solanaceae.

Alcohol, chloroform, ether, benzene and nitrous oxide are discussed under INEBRIANTIA, whilst HYPNOTICA: SOPORIFICS deals with stuff like chloral, veronal, potassium bromide, sulphonal and kava-kava. The last chapter is called EXCITANTIA and investigates camphor, betel, kat, caffeine, tea, kola nut, guarana, cocoa, tobacco and others.

This early work remains a fascinating study of an impressive array of psychoactive substances from around the world. The text is engaging and will appeal to the general reader as much as the scientist. The book concludes with notes containing bibliographic references, and an index.