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The Poisoner's Handbook

Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
Deborah Blum

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125502336&ft=1&f=1033



WOW - What a book! Science teachers will especially enjoy the history behind the elements of the periodic table as these elements are used in poisons and toxins. The book itself follows the story of the two men who founded forensic science in New York City (New York City?!). Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler worked many years to find methods to detect toxins during autopsies. Their trials were magnified by the politics of Tammany Hall, since, in many cases, the political body did not want cause of death to be recorded.

Blum wrote a very readable book. Listen to the interview at the link above - I think you will enjoy it.

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