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The PBS series, American Experience, has a new documentary airing tonight: Tales from the Poisoner’s Handbook (check local listings; it’ll also be available online) and an interactive website to go with it. Those of you who are members of AAFS have undoubtedly received the emails about it (the subject of the documentary was a founding member). A description after the jump:
From the site:
In the early 20th century, the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner’s treasure chest, with radioactive radium, thallium, and morphine in everyday products. The pace of industrial innovation increased, but the scientific knowledge to detect and prevent crimes committed with these materials lagged behind until 1918. New York City’s first scientifically trained medical examiner, Charles Norris, and his chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler, turned forensic chemistry into a formidable science and set the standards for the rest of the country.
A multimedia exploration of the impact of poison on the body, the documentary and interactive site have some interesting information about toxicology issues and death investigation in general. A fun diversion for sure…