CentralNotice From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Mithridatism is the practice of protecting oneself against a poison by gradually self-administering non-lethal amounts. The word is derived from Mithridates VI , the King of Pontus , who so feared being poisoned that he regularly ingested small doses, aiming to develop immunity . 1 Background 2 In practice 3 Peanut allergies 4 In fiction 5 In poetry 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Background [ edit ] Mithridates VI 's father, Mithridates V , was assassinated by poisoning, said to be at his mother's orders. After this, Mithridates VI's mother held regency over Pontus until a male heir came of age. Mithridates was in competition with his brother for the throne and his mother began to favor his brother. [1] :68 Supposedly, during his youth, he began to suspect plots a...