Aqua Tofana

The first recorded mention of Aqua Tofana is from 1632–33[3][1] when it was used by two women, Francesca la Sarda and Teofania di Adamo, to poison their victims.

[1] She was executed for her crimes, but several women associated with her including Giulia Tofana (who may have been her daughter) and Gironima Spana moved on to Rome and continued manufacturing and distributing the poison.

[1] The 'tradename' "Manna di San Nicola" ("Manna of St. Nicholas of Bari") may have been a marketing device intended to divert the authorities, given that the poison was openly sold both as a cosmetic and a devotional object in vials that included a picture of St. Nicholas.

The victim was very ill by the third dose; symptoms included vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, and a burning sensation in the digestive system.

As it was slow acting, it allowed victims time to prepare for their death, including writing a will and repenting.