The Poisoner's Handbook
Ratings19
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings19
Average rating3.9
The untold story of how poison rocked Jazz Age New York City. A pair of forensic scientists began their trailblazing chemical detective work, fighting to end an era when untraceable poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime. Chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler investigate a family mysteriously stricken bald, factory workers with crumbling bones, a diner serving poisoned pies, and many others. Each case presents a deadly new puzzle and Norris and Gettler create revolutionary experiments to tease out even the wiliest compounds from human tissue. From the vantage of their laboratory it also becomes clear that murderers aren't the only toxic threat--modern life has created a kind of poison playground, and danger lurks around every corner.
Reviews with the most likes.
Easy, interesting read. I didn't always understand the chapter names (moreso later in the book), but that's really my only complaint. Really fascinating stuff.
A riveting account of the beginning of the New York Medical Examiner's office, as well as American toxicology/forensic chemistry. The book follows the life of Charles Norris, the first person in charge of that city's dead with a genuine interest in the science and circumstances of how they died.
The book takes the reader through a litany of poisons, from the dangerous quasi-booze of Prohibition to everyone's favorite, arsenic. Norris, with tremendous help from his chief scientist, Alexander Gettler, pioneered the use of science to convict criminals of wrongdoing, as opposed to a policeman's supposition/forced confession.
A very worthwhile read for any loves of history, chemistry or just a good story.
First book for Octoberween! I would 100% recommend to true crime lovers and science nerds alike. It's so great. Absolutely wonderfully written with an incredible narrative flare. Because of this book Norse and Getler have become two definite science super heroes. Read it!
Lots of gruesomeness but the creation and evolution of the forensic science in New York City during Prohibition, and beyond, is incredible. I think my lucky stars I was born in a time when the health and safety of the citizens becomes important and checks-n-balanaces were put in place.
All my grand and great grands are gone, mostly due to old age although now that I think about it, nicotine was a major factor in 1 death. The section on nicotine has me contemplating how ordinary his death seemed at the time. I would have loved to hear their take on some of these stories and that time period.
