| 词源 |
upas. According to fable a foul vapor rises from the Javanese upas tree (Antiaris toxicaria) and “not a tree, nor blade of grass is to be found in the valley or surrounding mountains near it, not a beast or bird, reptile or living thing lives in the vicinity.” A Dutch physician noted in 1783 that “on one occasion 1,600 ref- ugees encamped within fourteen miles of it and but 300 died within two months.” Such legends inspired the use of the word upas, for “a corrupting or evil influence.” Legends aside, the milky juice of the upas contains a virulent poison that is used for tipping arrows. |