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.

Comments

Dragon's Teeth - by Michael Crichton

What a fun story based on history! The plot winds around the animosity between paleontologists Marsh and Cope, as told by a fictional member of the dig party. We are taken (in the form of our protagonist, William Johnson) to the Badlands, Deadwood, into Indian raids, labeled as a traitor, attacked on all sides by all kinds of people, and then we get home a changed young man. If you know history, you will enjoy they way Crichton weaves momentous events and remarkable historical persons into the story. You will find yourself thinking "I know what's coming," because you do, if you know anything about the WEST in the 1870's, or know some of the background with Marsh and Cope. I listened to this story as a traveled each week, getting about 2 hours of the book on each trip. After each two hours, I wanted more, but I forced myself to wait for the next week. I was sad to be finished with it yesterday.

Sourdough: a Novel

by Robin Sloan This fun science fiction novel brings together computing, engineering, robotics,...and of all things, sourdough. Mr. Sloan has a delightful way with words, and had me laughing at the visualizations he developed. Our protagonist, Lois, has "lost" herself to her job, as many teachers have done. Lois "inherited" a sourdough starter, and is determined to keep it from dying, so she does what all good students do - she reads a book. She joins a local "Lois" group (you have to read it to meet the ladies in the group), she makes bread, and integrates robotics. All in all, this is a very easy read, maybe two hours on a rainy day to yourself (if you have such an endangered species). Get lost in the fun. You'll be glad you did.

Reverend Guppy's Aquarium

by Philip Dodd This is a delightful book which gives us the origins of product names. One of my many "I heard it on NPR" books, this one has not disappointed this reader. I am halfway through the books and have loved learning the origin of the name "Jacuzzi" and "frisbee." Part of this is because I love WORDS and LANGUAGE. The other part is the beauty of invention. I'll have it for swap in October at our book swap session.

Aleta's Book Report

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