American Experience

The Poisoner's Handbook

In the early 20th century, the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner's treasure chest, with radioactive radium, thallium, and morphine in everyday products.

The Poisoner's Handbook Chapter 1

9m 1s

In the early 20th century, the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner's treasure chest, with radioactive radium, thallium, and morphine included in everyday products. In New York City in the 1920s, medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler, turned forensic chemistry into a formidable science and set the standards for the rest of the country.

Previews + Extras

  • Tales From the Poisoner's Handbook: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Tales From the Poisoner's Handbook

    S26 E1 - 2m 35s

    History and forensic science come together in our interactive graphic novel based on the documentary The Poisoner's Handbook. Investigate the cause of death in four historic poisoning cases, and explore toxicology with Alexander Gettler and New York City Medical Examiner Charles Norris in the 1920s.

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