In this revised and expanded edition of his critically acclaimed book, leading forensic scientist John Trestrail offers a pioneering survey of all that is known about the use of poison as a weapon in murder. Topics range from the use of poisons in history and literature to convicting the poisoner in court, and include a review of the different types of poisons, techniques for crime scene investigation, and the critical essentials of the forensic autopsy.

The author updates what is currently known about poisoners in general (psychological profile, types, and statistical analyses) and their victims (who gets poisoned, investigative considerations, and classic symptoms of poisoning). The Appendix has been updated to include the more commonly used poisons, as well as the use of antifreeze as a poison, to reflect some cases that have recently come to light. Comprehensive and fully updated, this book offers a unique one-volume summary of the knowledge and techniques needed to solve the near-invisible crime of poisoning and convict the perpetrator.

Revised and expanded edition covering all aspects of murder by poisoning

Time-tested guidelines for the crime scene investigation of murder by poisoning

Commonly used poisons to reflect cases that have recently come to light

Key courtroom strategies for successfully convicting the poisoner

Essentials of the forensic autopsy process

Updated profiles of the poisoner and his victim

Numerous figures now used to summarize and illustrate important points

Exhaustive list of key references and suggested readings for deeper understanding

Illuminating survey of the homicidal use of poisons in history and literature

Inhalt
CHAPTERS Chapter 1 - Poisoners Throughout History Chapter 2 - Types of Poisons Chapter 3 - Poisoners Chapter 4 - Victims Chapter 5 - Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 6 - The Forensic Autopsy Chapter 7 - Proving Poisoning Chapter 8 - Poisoners in Court Chapter 9 - Poisoning in Fiction Chapter 10 - Conclusion APPENDIX: Some Common Homicidal Poisons A. Antifreeze (Methanol, or Ethylene glycol) B. Arsenic C. Botulinus Toxin D. Cyanide E. Sodium fluoroacetate F. Strychnine G. Thallium Collected Bibliographies on Homicidal Poisoning: A. Poisoners Throughout History Bibliography B. Poisoning in Fiction Bibliography C. Forensic Poisoning Bibliography D. Analytical Toxicology Bibliography