Allen's Compendium of the Neurotropic Fungi Part I: Soma, Amanita and related Species.

Abstract

Throughout history, only an elite few scholars possessed the arcane knowledge of the history of Amanita muscaria (Fr.) Hooker, also referred to as ‘SOMA.’ Two such researchers include the late ethnomycologist, R. Gordon Wasson and Sanskrit scholar Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty. Both believed that ‘SOMA, an ancient mysterious drug plant elixir, was made from Amanita muscaria. Amanita muscaria is also known as and/or referred to as the 'fly agaric' mushroom or the 'fly killer' mushroom. Unlike the psilocybine containing mushrooms, Amanita muscaria does not contain the tryptamine alkaloids psilocine and/or psilocybine. However, Amanita muscaria and several related species contain several chemicals which cause inebriations and intoxications when eaten. Active ingredients found in these mushrooms include: ibotenic acid, muscimol, and the sometimes toxic chemical known as muscarine. The earliest reference confirming the existence of this magical entheogenic plant can be found in the ninth and tenth mandala of the Rig Vida, the most holy and oldest of the ancient Vedic hymns. More than two thousand years ago, its use faded into the pages of history and completely disappeared. Today, the knowledge of the cultural importance of Soma is now reemerging into the 21st century of enthogenism. Although this bibliography is far from complete, it should enable those who wish access to this information, a better understanding of the nature of this fungi, it's chemistry and pharmacological actions, and it's relationship with the human element. The Soma Compendium is a bibliography of the known literature on Amanita muscaria and related subject matter that features: 356 references, 189 annotations and more than 695 cross-references, of which more than 75 additional referenced links have been posted in many of these author-date citations featured throughout this bibliography. Also included are numerous related photographs of species, literature (book and magazine covers), including many abstracts describing the contents featured herein.