"There's been much jolly talk of drink-alongs and such, but alcohol's effect on the Consul's consciousness is the lens through which … the world the book presents is seen, the light and the dark. read more
Alcohol acts on the CNS by inhibiting glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter and by increasing the effects of inhibitory GABA receptors. This causes a generally depressive effect. Strychnine acts by blocking glycine receptors, which are normally inhibitory. read more
Strychnine is a white, odorless, bitter crystalline powder that can be taken by mouth, inhaled (breathed in), or mixed in a solution and given intravenously (injected directly into a vein). Strychnine is a strong poison; only a small amount is needed to produce severe effects in people. read more