writes Andrew Rankine.Until the recent cases of Litvinenko (Po210) and Markov (ricin), onemight have suspected that poisoning was going out of fashion.Certainly, the bullet or the bomb represent a clearer statement, butthe stealthy poison surely does have a certain élan.
John Emsley is best known for his series of popular science books that
have been translated and reprinted many times. The toxicological
aspects of his subjects are often to the fore, and this present book is
no exception.
The book is in two parts. Part one focuses on naturally-occurring
molecules that were originally used by physicians before becoming more
notorious as murder weapons. In this part, we find tales involving the
misuse of diamorphine, adrenaline, ricin, and atropine. Part two deals
with synthetic molecules that have also been misused in famous crimes:
polonium chloride; paraquat; chloroform.
There are ten molecules to consider, and in each case we are introduced
to the natural history or development of the substance and its common
uses. This is the bit that chemists will enjoy most, as each chapter is
full of interesting nuggets of information that you just don’t find in
the standard toxicology textbooks. The second half of each chapter then
focuses on a specific murder case in which the substance was misused.
This shows us the mind of the murderer, his – or sometimes her – modus
operandi and the forensic work that sometimes led to the poisoner being
caught, or sometimes not.
The reader learns how forensic science has developed increasingly
sophisticated methods of detecting minute quantities of toxins, and how
some of the molecules are now used as therapeutic agents in their own
right.
This is not the typical health and safety book that one usually
encounters in these pages, but it is an excellent read for the chemist,
toxicologist, or occupational hygienist who is interested in the world
of ‘true crime’. It should also be of interest to any safety specialist
wishing to learn something of the fascinating history of toxins and
their misuse. As usual with Emsley, the writing is a model of clarity,
the stories logically laid out, and there is a useful glossary with
line diagrams for many molecules we meet along the way. The science
ought not to tax anybody with school-level chemistry.
Highly recommended, too, for anybody who enjoys a good thriller!
Details
Author: John Emsley
Published by RSC Publishing – www.rsc.org
ISBN 978-0-85404-965-3
Price: £14.95