Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Could you help me out with some information about Hemlock?
QUESTION:
I have been asked to find out what was is special about Hemlock (and apt) in the
context that it was used to kill Socrates the great philosopher. I was wondering
if perhaps you could give me any incite into this.
ANSWER:
Socrates is traditionally thought to have taken a drink prepared from Poison
Hemlock (Conium maculatum or a relative). This is a common roadside or ditchbank
weed in the US, but it is native to Europe. We also have our native Water Hemlocks
(Cicuta species) which are far deadlier. Neither have anything to do with Hemlocks
which are coniferous trees.