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. |
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