October 2011: The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

[Charise]

I have finished The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York! I found myself amazed by the accomplishments made by Gettler and Norris and quite annoyed with those who caused them frustrations. I shared the stories of the radium girls with my students - they were as saddened as I was.

[Jenny]

I think that whether you pay for an autopsy depends on where you live. My mother died at home and even though the cause was well known and expected -- she was in hospice care for Alzheimers -- an autopsy was required because she was not in a hospital.

As an aside, I am finally reading this book and am really enjoying it. I recommended it to my 16 year old daughter who loved reading and chemistry.

[Betsy, co-mod]

Recent articles about the need for more autopsies:

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/201...

This article links to another one at NPR.

[Betsy, co-mod]

Ten Ways to Recognize the 21st Century Poisoner by Deborah Blum.