Talismans against Poison: Adder's Tongue or Serpent's Tongue. Fossilized shark's teeth were valued for their ability to work against poisons. They were used in devices to detect it, as well as neutralize it. These glossopetra or stone tongues as they were known were worn as talismans to protect against poisoning. It was believed the tooth could be dipped into a liquid to neutralize it of any suspected poisons. These protective charms would have been valued by royalty and nobility to whom poisoning was a common threat. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, elaborate devices were created using fossils, coral and precious metals to warn the owners of the presence of poison. These tree-like table ornaments would display ten or more shark teeth and other apotropaic symbols. The teeth were believed to sweat profusely or change color in the presence of poison. Whether these devices prevented poisoning through their magical properties or serving as a warning to any potential poisoners is uncertain. These detectors of deception where called Natternzungen Kredenzen in German, meaning Adder's Tongue credenza. A credenza was a kind of side table these ornaments were displayed on. Credenza, Credence (French), and Credenze (Italian) comes from the Latin "Credentia" relating to belief/believability. This is where the English word "credential" comes from. These tables with their security devices were believed to act as a kind of screening system keeping all the guests safe from potential assassination. Reference: maltahistory.eu5.net/mh2/19755.html #poisonpath #poisonlore #poisonhistory #poisonpath #poisoner #poisonersapothecary #strangehistory #weirdhistory #toxicology #adderstongue #poisoncharm #protectionmagick #apotropaic https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ13JEBnQjQ/?igshid=1cqfg43fzvgfj
