German chemist known for his research on chemical warfare agents, highlighting the dual nature of toxic substances.
Frances Oldham Kelsey
Notable for her role in preventing the approval of thalidomide in the United States, which led to stricter regulations for drug approval.
Robert Christison and Lewis Caleb Beck
Physicians and toxicologists made significant contributions to the field through their research and writings.
Francois Magendie and Claude Bernard
French physiologists who conducted research on the effects of toxins on the body, contributing to the understanding of toxicology.
Marie Lafarge and Marie Curie
Lafarge was involved in a famous arsenic poisoning case in the 19th century, highlighting the role of toxicology in criminal investigations.MarieCurie's work with radium contributed to advancements in radiation toxicology.
Mathieu Joseph Bonaventure Orfila
Spanish-born toxicologist known as the "father of modern toxicology" for his pioneering work in forensic toxicology and poison detection.
JamesMarsh
English chemist who developed a test for detecting arsenic in forensic samples, known as the Marsh test.
Johann David Metzger and Valentine Rose
Chemists who developed methods for detecting arsenic in forensic investigations, contributing to the field of forensic toxicology.
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
German physician known for founding homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine based on the principle of "like cures like."
Karl Wilhelm Scheele
Swedish chemist known for his discovery of several chemical elements and compounds, including hydrogen cyanide.
Bernardino Ramazzini and Percivall Pott
Pioneers in occupational medicine who studied the health effects of various occupational exposures.
Richard Mead
English physician who made contributions to toxicology, including studies on the effects of lead and mercury poisoning.
Pietro d'Abano, Girolamo Cardano, Gerolamo Mercuriale, and Andrea Bacci
Renaissance-era physicians who contributed to the understanding of toxicology and the treatment of poisoning.
Jan Baptist Van Helmont
Flemish chemist and physician who conducted experiments on gases and is considered a forerunner of modern pneumatic chemistry and toxicology
Paracelsus
Swiss physician and alchemist who challenged traditional medical beliefs and emphasized the importance of dosage in toxicology.
Georgius Agricola
German scholar known as the "father of mineralogy," who contributed to the understanding of occupational hazards in mining.
Moises Maimonides and Avicenna
Influential Jewish and Islamic scholars, respectively, who made contributions to toxicology and medicine during the Middle Ages.
Catherine Deshayes and Giulia Tofana
Notorious poisoners from the 17th century known for their roles in various poisoning scandals.
The Borgias
Another prominent Italian family known for their involvement in political intrigue, including alleged poisonings.
Tabun
A nerve agent developed during World War II, belonging to the same class of chemical weapons as sarin and VX, causing paralysis and death by disrupting the nervous system.
Phosgene
A highly toxic gas used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I and in industry, causing respiratorydamage and death.
JamaicaGinger and Ginger Jake paralysis
Refers to an outbreak of paralysis caused by Jamaican ginger extract contaminated with a neurotoxin during Prohibition in the United States.
Wiley Bill
Refers to the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, also known as the Wiley Act, which aimed to regulate the safety and labeling of food and drugs in the United States.
Acetanilide
A chemical compound used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and dyes, but also known for its toxic effects, especially on the liver and kidneys.
"Poison Squad" experiments
Conducted by Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley in the early 20th century to study the effects of food additives and preservatives on human health, leading to the passage of the Wiley Bill and the establishment of the FDA.
Refers to antidotes, antivenoms, and other biological substances used to counteract the effects of toxins.
L'affaire des poisons
The Poison Affair, a scandal in 17th-century France involving accusations of poisoning among the French aristocracy, leading to increased interest in toxicology and the regulation of poisons.
Venenum
The Latin term for poison, was used in ancient Roman medicine and toxicology.
Pneuma
referred to vital breath or life force, but it also had associations with toxicology in terms of diseases caused by imbalances in bodily humors.
Pythia
The priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, ancient Greece, who was believed to deliver prophecies while in a trance induced by inhaling vapors, possibly including toxic substances.
Theriac
An ancient antidote or antidote compound used to treat poisoning, popular in ancient Greece and Rome.
Brooklyn Papyri
Ancient Egyptian medical papyri containing information on toxic substances, poisons, and their treatments.
Rig Veda
One of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, containing references to herbs and plants, some of which may have toxicological significance.
Visakanya
Refers to "poison maidens" in Indian folklore who were purportedly immune to venom and used in assassination attempts.
Agada Tantra
A branch of Ayurveda deals with toxicology and poisons, focusing on diagnosis and treatment.
Gu
an ancient Chinese text that contains information on toxic substances and their effects.
Du
a Chinese historian and politician who may have contributed to early Chinese toxicology through his writings.
Theory of Hormesis
Impacts toxicology by suggesting low toxin doses may be beneficial.
Sulfanilamide Elixir Poisonings
Led to drug safety testing and regulation, shaping toxicology.
Galen
Studied pharmacology, contributing to toxicology's understanding of substance effects.