The atmosphere smelt like that of an apothecary's shop, and was so overpowering, that Leonard could scarcely breathe.

The table was covered with pill-boxes and phials, most of which were emptied, and a dim light was afforded by a candle with a most portentous crest of snuff.
"So you have been poisoning yourself, I perceive," observed Leonard, approaching him.
"Keep off!" cried the porter, springing suddenly to his feet.

"Don't touch me, I say.

Poisoning myself! I have taken three rufuses, or pestilential pills; two spoonfuls of alexiteral water; the same quantity of anti-pestilential decoction; half as much of Sir Theodore Mayerne's electuary; and a large dose of orvietan.

Do you call that poisoning myself?
I call it taking proper precaution, and would recommend you to do the same.