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Loading... The Elements of Murder: A History of Poison (2005)by John Emsley
   No current Talk conversations about this book.   ) JKoetsier | Jul 13, 2010 |  Contrary to what the title would have you believe, this is not a true crime book but rather, simply, a history of poison -- no matter how it was delivered and why. The author, a chemist, explains the uses and abuses of the various poisons throughout history and how they interact with the human body, and provides examples of individual and mass poisonings of both the accidental and homicidal kind. Though, as some other reviewers have noted, the writing is often clumsy, I feel I learned a lot. True crime/history buffs with a passing interest in chemistry would enjoy this book. For a much more in-depth, better-written book focusing on one specific element as poison, try The Arsenic Century. (  )1  meggyweg | Feb 24, 2010 | A very thorough explanation is given of the uses of these poisonous elements, why they're poisonous, what damage they do and what remedies can be used against them. In the section on each poison there is also at least one discription of a case where it has been used to poison people, the process that the murderer went through and how they were caught. I also really like the chemical glossary at the end. The weakest part of the book, oddly enough, was the first chapter on mercury but it gets better after this, particularly the sections on arsenic and stibium. Very good and solid book. (  )1 redfiona | Sep 13, 2009 | For something much more worthwhile read Poisons: From Hemlock to Botox and the Killer Bean of Calabar by Peter Macinnins. (  )1 GavinBowtell | Jul 1, 2009 | ) craigim | May 11, 2008 | no reviews | add a review
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Mercury, arsenic, antimony, lead, and thallium can be lethal, as many a poisoner knew too well. Emsley explores the gruesome history of these elements and those who have succumbed to them in a fascinating narrative that weaves together stories of true crime, enduring historical mysteries, tragic accidents, and the science behind it all. The colourful cast includes ancient alchemists, kings, leaders, a pope, several great musicians, and a motley crew of murderers. Among the intriguing accounts is that of the 17th century poet Sir Thomas Overbury, who survived four attempts to poison him with mercury but died when given the poison in enema form - under whose direction remains uncertain. Here, too, is detailed the celebrated case of Florence Maybrick, convicted of poisoning her violent husband James with arsenic, but widely believed at the time to be innocent. The question of her guilt is still disputed. No library descriptions found. 
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)615.9Technology Medicine and health Pharmacology and therapeutics Toxicology; PoisonsLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (4.05)
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