Book Review pubs.acs.org/jnp
Review of Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance the origins, myths, and beliefs about animal horns, which were later used as protection against poisoners. Chapter 11 discusses the history and use of bezoar stones during the Middles Ages as antidotes of poison. Chapter 12 discusses how fossil shark teeth were used as antidotes to poisons. Glossopetrae were thought to protect and change color in the presence of poison. Tongue stones were worn around the neck or kept in pockets for protection. Chapter 13 discusses the life of Catherine La Voisin and her involvement in the “Affair of the Poisons” scandal. Chapter 14 examines the trial of Margarida de Portu, who was an accused poisoner for the killing of her husband. Chapter 15 gives an overview of the learned medical history of bites from all kinds of venomous animals. An outline of some of the widely used medical literature on poisons between 1300 and 1600 is reviewed in Chapter 16. This last chapter discusses how the history of toxicology came about from the different perspectives and debates on poisons between various physicians. This book is an excellent historical account of the significant work and contributions of scientists, scholars, and poisoners from this time period. The pictures and illustrations throughout the text provide the reader with a point of reference in the arts and ancient literature. Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance is a great read for scientists, toxicologists, medical professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students with an interest in the historical background of modern toxicology.
Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Edited by Philip Wexler. Academic Press, London, UK. 2017. 192 pp. $39.95, paperback, 6 × 0.4 × 9 in. ISBN 13:978-0128095546. Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance is the third in the three-volume series Toxicology in Environmental Health. This book discusses the findings and inventions of famous toxicologists and poisoners from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, from the years 400−1600. During this period, significant discoveries were made regarding how toxic agents work within the body. Bringing to light the toxicological significance from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the first chapter discusses the brilliant philosopher Paracelsus and his intentions to reform medicine during his time. The four pillars of medicine and his interest in mining and understanding the human body made him a knowledgeable medical alchemist. His teachings such as the universal poison are further summarized in the first chapter. Chapter 2 acknowledges important scientists from Islamic countries who contributed profoundly to the science of toxicology. With a focus on prevention and treatment, Islamic toxicologists studied natural and synthetic poisons as well as animal and insect bites and venoms. Chapter 3 discusses Moses Maimonides, a Jewish philosopher with numerous medical contributions. The medical contributions of Maimonides deal with general and specific medical problems. The book On Poisons was a major medical contribution of Maimonides that focused on poisons and antidotes available in Egypt. The first part covered the treatments available for vermin bites, while the second part covered the treatments for those poisons. Chapter 4 discusses the Greek philosopher Pietro d’Abano, who wrote a popular book titled Conciliator Litium Medicinae. The book is also referred to as Conciliation of Debated Medical Questions since it covers in detail 210 medical questions that are fundamental and philosophical in nature. The chapter goes into further detail about Pietro’s work and journey to Constantinople, where he had access to the most important scientific work. Chapter 5 covers the Borgias family and Pope Alexander VI, who was known as a notorious poisoner. Aqua Tofana is the name of a poison used by women in Rome during the 17th century to kill their husbands. A description of the history and symptoms of this poison is discussed in detail in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 discusses poisons and antidotes from the 16th century used by the Medici family. During this time assassination by poisoning was the cause of death of many of the ruling elite. Chapter 8 covers Georg Bauer, also known as Georgius Agricola. Aside from his medical work, he spent most of his time in mines and smelters, which is why he was referred to as the father of mineralogy. His influences are further discussed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 describes how Van Helmont tried to claim ideas and teachings of Paracelsus on poisons as his own. However, his philosophy differed from Paracelsus in that his focus was on man only. Rather than linking man with Nature, he believed man was responsible for death, disease, and poison. Chapter 10 covers © 2017 American Chemical Society and American Society of Pharmacognosy
Sara Abdulrasoul Melany P. Puglisi
■
Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
AUTHOR INFORMATION
ORCID
Melany P. Puglisi: 0000-0002-2823-9932 Notes
The authors declare no competing financial interest.
Published: August 21, 2017 2589
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00604 J. Nat. Prod. 2017, 80, 2589−2589
