I love a good mystery, most scientists do. Whether it’s JFK being killed by a poison arrow or secret CIA Cold War poisons, I’m all in. And for me, the older the better. When I’m searching for poisons I like to start with the oldest references, which for me are usually in the mid to late … Continue reading
Tag Archives: curare
Case Study: How Not to Poison Someone
I’m not a big fan of murder. You know, the cold-blooded style. And poisoners are the worst of the lot. Sneaky and cowardly. Why the disdain? Because of the effort. It takes a lot of work to be a poisoner. You’ve got to plan it out, obtain the poison, and somehow administer it. All the … Continue reading
Curare: From Paralyzed to Anesthetized
In 1946 Frederick Prescott found himself on a table, unable to move. He was completely paralyzed. Two minutes prior he was intravenously injected with 30 mg of d-tubocurarine, and now he was in trouble. He could not open his eyes, speak, or even swallow, and no one in the room was aware of his distress. … Continue reading