In Volume 1 of this series, attention was focused on neuropoisons of animal origin. In the present volume, attention has been shifted to poisons of plant origin. In both cases, we have attempted to identify those poisons for which there is a large measure of clinical or research interest. Our efforts in compiling the series have been aided by three groups of individuals. First, we are grateful to the investigators who contributed chapters. Their labors are the substance of this two-volume work. Second, we are pleased to acknowledge the support of Mr. Seymour Weingarten and Plenum Press in our project. And third, we have been immeasurably aided by our assistants, Mrs. Ruby Hough in New York City and Mrs. Helena Walsh in Canberra. To all these persons, we are indebted. Dr. Lance L. Simpson Dr. David R. Curtis New York City Canberra vii Contents Chapter 1 Reserpine 1 by Theodore A. Slot kin I. Introduction .......................................... .