ISBN10: 0192806009, ISBN13: 9780192806000, [publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford] Softcover Paperback. 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 greatmusicians, 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 thepoison 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 effectsof 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 manufacturingwallpaper in the 19th century were ...
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ISBN10: 0192806009, ISBN13: 9780192806000, [publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford] Softcover Paperback. 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 greatmusicians, 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 thepoison 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 effectsof 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 manufacturingwallpaper in the 19th century were ...
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ISBN10: 0192806009, ISBN13: 9780192806000, [publisher: OUP OXFORD 2006-07-13, Oxford] Softcover Language: ENG
[London, United Kingdom] [Publication Year: 2006]

ISBN10: 0192806009, ISBN13: 9780192806000, [publisher: Oxford University Press] Softcover 2006. New Ed. Paperback. What killed Charles II? Who thought he had discovered the perfect poison? Why did hatters go mad? This is an account of murderous chemical elements. Through stories of innocent blunders, poisoners of various hues - cold, cunning, desperate - and deaths that remain a mystery, it uncovers the dark side of the Periodic Table. Num Pages: 432 pages, illustrations. BIC Classification: JKVF1; PDZ; PSB; TDC; VFD. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 195 x 130 x 27. Weight in Grams: 318. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.
[Olney, MD, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]

Oxford University Press OUP , pp. 432 . Papeback. New. Oxford University Press OUP ISBN 0192806009 9780192806000 [US]