American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook DVD

$24.99
Item #: WB0312
American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook In the early 1900s , the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner's treasure chest. Deadly chemicals such as radioactive radium, thallium, potassium cyanide, and morphine lurked in health tonics, depilatory creams, teething medicine, and cleaning supplies. While the tools of the murderer's trade multiplied as the pace of industrial innovation increased, the scientific ... More
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American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook

In the early 1900s , the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner's treasure chest. Deadly chemicals such as radioactive radium, thallium, potassium cyanide, and morphine lurked in health tonics, depilatory creams, teething medicine, and cleaning supplies. While the tools of the murderer's trade multiplied as the pace of industrial innovation increased, the scientific knowledge and the political will to detect and prevent the crimes lagged behind. All this changed in 1918, when New York City hired Charles Norris as its first scientifically trained medical examiner. Over the course of a decade and a half, Norris and his extraordinarily driven and talented chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler, would turn forensic chemistry into a formidable science, sending impatient heirs, jilted lovers, and desperate debtors to the electric chair, and setting the standards that the rest of the country would ultimately adopt.

Producer: Rob Rapley
Production Year: 2014
Narrator: Oliver Platt
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Audio Format: 5.1 Surround
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

11 Reviews
S
Sceidi95
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
I would definitely buy this again and again as a gift.
Review by Sceidi95 on 07/17/20 review stating I would definitely buy this again and again as a gift.
I find this DVD very informative and extremely interesting. Its very educational and intriguing.
H
Holly A.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Spectacular buy!
Review by Holly A. on 07/17/20 review stating Spectacular buy!
This was a wonderful documentary! Ive never been disappointed by anything from PBS. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes mystery, murder, chemistry, or science.
F
Fayemac
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
OMG what a great piece of work.
Review by Fayemac on 07/17/20 review stating OMG what a great piece of work.
What would we be like as a country without the likes of these heroic men and women who saved thousands of people with their determination and drive. After watching it my sister and I talked for hours over it. Each case brings something new to think about. I hope everybody can watch this masterpiece(you guys really did your homework on this one) of the everyday guys who never got the recognition they deserved.
E
Eddyspegetti
Anonymous User
3.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Poisoners Handbook? What next???
Review by Eddyspegetti on 07/17/20 review stating The Poisoners Handbook? What next???
I have yet to read the book or seen the show but Ill wait until American Experience airs it before I make a definite opinion. Several times Ive been very surprised by AE so who knows, this might be another.Lets hope so.
J
John
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Fascinating History
Review by John on 07/17/20 review stating Fascinating History
This documentary is a fascinating history of the beginnings of forensic toxicology in New York City.
M
Mike
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
An excellent work,
Review by Mike on 07/17/20 review stating An excellent work,
Well produced with a historically accurate demonstration of early CSI work. If crime investigation is your interest, dont miss this!
A
Alycia
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Important, little known piece of history
Review by Alycia on 07/17/20 review stating Important, little known piece of history
Story that changed forensic science in NYC and the world. I watched this presentation with eager anticipation with my siblings as we recounted the stories we were told about Al Gettler. His wife Alice, was my grandmothers cousin and growing up we remembered Dr. Gettler and our other relatives who lived across the street in Brooklyn. I believe this episode is a true American Experience. A gift to the generations that follow.
L
Lilybet
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Interesting Entertaining
Review by Lilybet on 07/17/20 review stating Interesting Entertaining
Thought this was very interesting and entertaining. The format is very good with lots of good information on how our detective services have developed over time and the battle they fought to get there. Not clinical in its presentation, but done with a historically costumed presentation.
M
Mary C.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Great, little known American history!
Review by Mary C. on 07/17/20 review stating Great, little known American history!
This DVD presents an informative and enjoyable presentation of the early history of medical examiners and the forensic scientists who work with them. History buffs, physicians, scientists will learn from this. Everyone will develop an increased appreciation for forensic science.
N
Nilla B.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Great Forensic Science Intro
Review by Nilla B. on 07/17/20 review stating Great Forensic Science Intro
Great alternative to the dry, boring, montone power point introductions to forensic science.
L
Lgb
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A DONT MISS
Review by Lgb on 07/17/20 review stating A DONT MISS
This is an exceptional piece of work! My son and i just happened upon the program one night and were both riveted by the interesting topic and great presentation! well done!

Highlighted Customer Reviews


A DONT MISS
Review by Lgb review stating A DONT MISS
This is an exceptional piece of work! My son and i just happened upon the program one night and were both riveted by the interesting topic and great presentation! well done!
M
Mary C. reviewed American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook DVD
5 star rating
Great, little known American history!
Review by Mary C. review stating Great, little known American history!
This DVD presents an informative and enjoyable presentation of the early history of medical examiners and the forensic scientists who work with them. History buffs, physicians, scientists will learn from this. Everyone will develop an increased appreciation for forensic science.
L
Lilybet reviewed American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook DVD
5 star rating
Interesting Entertaining
Review by Lilybet review stating Interesting Entertaining
Thought this was very interesting and entertaining. The format is very good with lots of good information on how our detective services have developed over time and the battle they fought to get there. Not clinical in its presentation, but done with a historically costumed presentation.

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