Poisons and antidotes from antiquity to the renaissace

Before the knowledge of bacteria, viruses, and health and safety laws, it was almost impossible to tell why someone was becoming sick. The original verse in the Bible was ‘Thou shalt not permit a *poisoner* to live, and said nothing about witches. Beyond the realms of magical curses, or the acts of deities, most people were very afraid of poison. The effects could mimic common diseases, and the ingredients were easily obtained (if one had the knowledge). ‘Cure alls’ became so popular that some places made laws that they had to be brewed by apothecaries in the public squares so that everyone could see the quality ingredients going into them.