Poison - Deadly Deeds and Perilous Professions

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2017

Review

Take some history, throw in some chemistry and ask the question whodunit and you have a great read that will keep the attention of even the most reluctant of readers. The book starts with an introduction to poisons - did you know that in the early 20th century Coca-Cola had a jolt of cocaine in it? Doctors use to use poisons to try and heal their patients? Each chapter contains a Tox Box that highlights a single poison and it's properties. Did you know that Fowler's Solution (a combination of arsenic trioxide, alcohol, and lavender water) that was introduced by Dr. Thomas Fowler in the 1780's was prescribed for a host of aliments by many a doctor. In the short term it may have been effective, but in the long term it could give the patient cancer. It remained on pharmacy shelves into the 1950"s! A very entertaining narrative of the history of poisons, and their applications.

Overall Book Score: very good