The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
by Deborah Blum
"The Poisoner's Handbook" by Deborah Blum explores the development of forensic science in the early 20th century, focusing on the rise of toxicology as a crucial tool for solving crimes in Jazz Age New York. The book intertwines the stories of real-life poisoning cases with the pioneering work of medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler, who transformed the investigation of deaths into a scientific discipline. Through vivid storytelling, Blum illustrates how their efforts laid the groundwork for modern forensic medicine.
10 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
The dead don't talk, but they do tell a story.
Every poison has its own personality.
In the end, it is the evidence that will speak.
Murder is a crime of passion, but it’s also a crime of opportunity.
The history of poison is the history of civilization.
Knowledge is the best antidote to fear.
Forensic science is the ultimate detective story.
Chemistry gives us the tools to solve the unsolvable.
To understand poison, you must understand the human condition.