An edition of The Elements of Murder (2005)

The Elements of Murder

A History of Poison

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Last edited by ImportBot
December 11, 2018 | History
An edition of The Elements of Murder (2005)

The Elements of Murder

A History of Poison

  • 0 Ratings
  • 5 Want to read
  • 1 Currently reading
  • 1 Have read

This book is about elements that kill. 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.

Threaded through the book alongside the history is the growing understanding of chemistry, and the effects of different chemical substances on the human body. Thousands suffered the ill effects of poisonous vapours from mercury, lead, and arsenic before the dangers were realized. Hatters went mad because of mercury poisoning, and hundreds of young girls working in factories manufacturing wallpaper in the 19th century were poisoned by the arsenic-based green pigments used for the leaves of the
popular floral designs. Even in the middle of the 20th century, accidental mercury poisoning caused many deaths in Minamata Bay, while leaded petrol poisoned the whole planet, and arsenic still continues to poison millions is Asia.

Through vividly told stories of innocent blunders, industrial accidents, poisoners of various hues - cold, cunning, desperate - and deaths that remain a mystery, Emsley here uncovers the dark side of the Periodic Table.

Publish Date
Language
English
Pages
432

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Previews available in: English

Edition Availability
Cover of: The Elements of Murder
The Elements of Murder: A History of Poison
September 22, 2006, Oxford University Press, USA
in English
Cover of: The elements of murder
The elements of murder
2005, Oxford University Press
in English
Cover of: The Elements of Murder
The Elements of Murder: A History of Poison
May 26, 2005, Oxford University Press, USA
in English

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Book Details


ID Numbers

Open Library
OL7383412M
ISBN 10
0192806009
ISBN 13
9780192806000
Library Thing
200892
Goodreads
599500

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History

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January 15, 2023 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
December 27, 2022 Edited by MARC Bot import existing book
July 28, 2021 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
October 8, 2020 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
April 14, 2010 Edited by Open Library Bot Linked existing covers to the edition.