The Poisoner's Handbook
What's it about
Ever wondered how science first learned to catch a killer? Discover how two brilliant scientists in Jazz Age New York pioneered forensic chemistry, transforming poison from the perfect undetectable weapon into a killer's calling card and giving birth to modern forensic science as we know it. You'll follow chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler as they investigate a series of shocking, real-life poisoning cases. From radium-laced tonics to carbon monoxide and thallium, you'll learn the ingenious methods they developed to uncover the truth, battling corruption and changing criminal investigation forever.
Meet the author
Deborah Blum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist whose work explores the intricate relationship between science and society, particularly the dark history of chemistry. A former professor of science journalism at the University of Wisconsin and director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT, she became fascinated with the forensic revolution of the early 20th century. This deep dive into the archives of Jazz Age New York City led her to uncover the dramatic, real-life stories that animate The Poisoner's Handbook.
What's it about
Ever wondered how science first learned to catch a killer? Discover how two brilliant scientists in Jazz Age New York pioneered forensic chemistry, transforming poison from the perfect undetectable weapon into a killer's calling card and giving birth to modern forensic science as we know it. You'll follow chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler as they investigate a series of shocking, real-life poisoning cases. From radium-laced tonics to carbon monoxide and thallium, you'll learn the ingenious methods they developed to uncover the truth, battling corruption and changing criminal investigation forever.
Meet the author
Deborah Blum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist whose work explores the intricate relationship between science and society, particularly the dark history of chemistry. A former professor of science journalism at the University of Wisconsin and director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT, she became fascinated with the forensic revolution of the early 20th century. This deep dive into the archives of Jazz Age New York City led her to uncover the dramatic, real-life stories that animate The Poisoner's Handbook.
The Script
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