Whereas the camera, sketch pad, shovels, bags, tape, dusting powder and many other items are tools of crime scene analysts, the microscope and the chemical laboratory are those of the toxicologist. This interesting and analytical work allows forensic scientists to peer into the body, examine its chemistry, and determine the presence of toxins and foreign substances. Click on the link below to read some employment advertisements for forensic toxicologists and lab workers. Employment in forensic toxicology Poisoning for gain or revenge has long been a favorite method of murder, and in one famous case, for execution. In an act of charity, the Athenians allowed Socrates to drink poison rather than suffer disgrace from a public execution.
Poisoning is a favorite way for female serial killers to dispatch their victims.
Bavaria's famous poisoner was Anna Zwanzinger, who reportedly poisoned four people in the early 1800's, including her husband and the baby of an employer. She was beheaded for her crimes. In addition to poising, Judy also used drowning and explosives to kill. In 1999 Kristen Gilbert, RN, was charged with killing four military veterans under her care at a V.A. hospital. Click on the link below to read more about the history of poisoning in the middle ages.