A killing potion. Stories of (non)fictional poisons

From arsenic and strychnine to cyanide and sarin. In his new book, chemist Volodymyr Sarkisian tells the stories of poisons and murders committed with their help.

How did Socrates die and what was Hamlet the Elder poisoned with? Can you get water poisoning? How did Hercule Poirot expose the murderers, and in which Flaubert text should we look for an absolutely correct description of death from arsenic poisoning?

The author dives into well-known detective texts and police chronicles, prepares real and fictional poisons, explaining the mechanism of their action. From the victims of the famous Milady from Dumas' novels to the victims of common salt. The fronts of the First World War, the attack in the Tokyo subway, military poisons and mass suicides - all this is told by chemist Volodymyr Sarkisian.

Volodymyr Sarkisyan is a chemist, former medical examiner and journalist.

The author of the books "Explorers of death. From Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie to the forensic laboratory" and "Everyday chemistry. From shampoo and washing powder to fried potatoes."