THE ELEMENTS OF MURDER

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 hund