Have you heard of toad venom? It’s become much more than an esoteric drug favored by “psychonauts.” But supporters won’t have to lick a toad if the chemically synthesized and purified version becomes ...

… the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in its head. Shakespeare’s contemporaries carried on their persons, usually in rings, certain “stones” cut from the heads of big, old toads.

Have you heard of toad venom? It’s become much more than an esoteric drug favored by “psychonauts.” But supporters won’t have to lick a toad if the chemically synthesized and purified version becomes ...