Forensic Toxicology
Antidote
Definition
Toxicology - a multidisciplinary field involving the detection and interpretation of the presence of drugs and other potentially toxic compounds in bodily tissues and fluids (Stout, 2009).
History
Scheele's Green
In 1775, Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered arsenic. Scheele prepared copper arsenite, which has a brilliant green color that was popularly used as a pigment.
Chemistry
Chlorinated water converts arsenic to arsenous acid. Adding metallic zinc and heating the acid mixture produces arsine gas. When the gas comes into contact with a cold vessel, arsenic collects.
In 1821, arsenic was found in the stomach and urine of poisoned individuals. Today, it is common to collecting samples from: blood, urine, stomach contents, liver, vitreous humor, hair, and insects to detect poison.
Arsenic Candy
Common Poisons
Cyanide
Oxalic Acid
Cinnabar, or Mercury (II) sulfide, HgS
Don't be fooled by its appetizing name or appealing color! It's poisonous!
Cinnabar Mineral
AI Cinnabar
Resources
Books available at USC Libraries
Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts
https://uosc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01USC_INST/273cgt/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9780128192870
Principles of forensic toxicology
https://uosc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01USC_INST/hs9vaa/alma991043806798303731
Additional Resources
ToxTutor
References
Stout, P. (2009). Information Resources in Toxicology (4th Ed).
West, J. B. (2014). Carl Wilhelm Scheele, the discoverer of oxygen, and a very productive chemist. American Journal of Physiology. Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, 307(11), L811–L816. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00223.2014
