HISTORY OF TOXICOLOGY: TOXICOLOGY LEC

• Fritz Haber


  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. Marie Curie'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.
• James Marsh


  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 respiratory damage and death.
• Jamaica Ginger 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.
• Biological products used to prevent and treat poisoning


  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.