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haydée asked this question about The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York:
Was it just me...or did anyone else lose interest in reading this about the 5th murder case in?
Catwalker I'm not sure what you were expecting. Yes, a few of the cases showed similarities (crime is as boringly monotonous as other human activities). It was …moreI'm not sure what you were expecting. Yes, a few of the cases showed similarities (crime is as boringly monotonous as other human activities). It was exciting when the forensic techniques developed led to different outcomes in successive cases, thanks to the testing know-how developed by Norris, Gettler and Co. Given how quickly people seemed to be dispatched to the electric chair at the time, these advances were particularly important.
As well, it was fascinating to learn about the ways people used to be poisoned by accident (fumigation techniques, industrial accidents), or by snake-oil medicine.
Given Deborah Blum's breezy style, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Sorry you found it unrewarding. (less)
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The Poisoner's Handbook
by Deborah Blum
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