The Poisoner’s Handbook

Hour 2

Fans of detective shows like CSI or the modern mystery novel know that a suspect’s guilt or innocence is often determined by a miniscule piece of forensic evidence.  But this wasn’t always the case, as science journalist Deborah Blum explains in her new book, The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York.  Blum tells the story of two pioneering scientists, New York’s first chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler, who together revolutionized forensic medicine, put countless murderers behind bars, and improved public safety.  This hour, we’ll hear some tales of murder and medical detection from the early years of forensic science.

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[audio: 032310_110630.mp3]