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Poison, Detection and the Victorian Imagination

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Poison, Detection and the Victorian Imagination by Ian Burney explores the captivating interplay between poison, crime investigation, and societal fears in Victorian Britain. Delving into both historical and cultural contexts, the book examines how the era's advancements in forensic science transformed the approach to detecting and understanding poison-related crimes. This insightful analysis reveals the broader impact of these developments on public perception and literary narratives of the time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intersection of science and crime, particularly in the Victorian era. It delves into the intriguing world of poison detection and how it captured public imagination, offering insights into historical forensic practices and gripping thriller elements.

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A history of poisoning in the nineteenth century and in particular the case of Dr William Palmer, convicted of murder by poisoning, and how he baffled toxicologists, doctors, detectives and judges

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This fascinating book looks at the phenomenon of murder and poisoning in the nineteenth century. Focusing on the case of William Palmer, a medical doctor who in 1856 was convicted of murder by poisoning, it examines how his case baffled toxicologists, doctors, detectives, and judges.

The investigation commences with an overview of the practice of toxicology in the Victorian era and goes on to explore the demands imposed by legal testimony on scientific work to convict criminals. In addressing Palmer's trial, Burney focuses on the testimony of Alfred Swaine Taylor, a leading expert on poisons, and integrates the medical, legal, and literary evidence to make sense of the trial itself and the sinister place of poison in wider Victorian society.

Poison, Detection and the Victorian Imagination by Ian Burney is an exemplary work of cultural history, mixing a keen understanding of the contemporary social and cultural landscape with the scientific and medical history of the period.

Series: Encounters: Cultural Histories

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  • Poison, Detection and the Victorian Imagination
    This fascinating book looks at the phenomenon of murder and poisoning in the nineteenth century. Focusing on the case of William Palmer, a medical doctor who in 1856 was convicted of murder by poisoning, it examines how his case baffled toxicologists, doctors, detectives, and judges. The investigation commences with an overview of the practice of toxicology in the Victorian era...
    Paperback
    $5299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Poison, Detection and the Victorian Imagination by Ian Burney has been praised for its meticulous research. The inclusion of quotes from Victorian periodicals and newspapers enriches the narrative, providing a vivid historical context.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780719087783

Publisher: Manchester University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 June 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Manchester University Press

Illustration: Illustrations, black & white

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 268g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Ian Burney is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of Manchester

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