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Poisonings Throughout History Archive

20 November 2024

Poisonings Throughout History: Jake Walk

Guest Staff Jake, Jake Walk, Jamacian ginger extract Leave a Comment
Various antique bottles of Jamaican Ginger Extract/Jake

Jake walk was caused by drinking contaminated Jamaica ginger extract – “jake.” Jake walk earned its name from the unusual manner of walking people eventually acquired after drinking the jake.

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30 August 2024

Poisonings Throughout History: George Henry Lansom

Guest Staff Aconite, Historic Poisonings Leave a Comment
Collage with a portrait sketch of George Henry Lansom on the left and a picture of an aconite plant on the right

Aconite, a type of flowering plant, is often called the Queen of Poisons. This is an accurate description as it was used as a poison throughout history.

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21 May 2024

Poisonings Throughout History: William Palmer

Guest Staff Historic Poisonings Leave a Comment
Black & White portrait of William Palmer on the left and an image of an antique strychnine bottle on the right

William Palmer, an English physician from the Victorian period, is widely considered the “Prince of Poisoners.”

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16 November 2023

Poisonings Throughout History: King Mithridates

Guest Staff Historic Poisonings, Honey Leave a Comment
Collage with Mithridates VI Eupator on the left and an antique honey jar on the right

King Mithridates is a well-known figure to historians of toxicology. He had a large library of toxin related essays and was said to use poisons on both his family members and rivals! Supporters of the king used mad honey to poison Roman soldiers during war.

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31 August 2023

Poisonings Throughout History: Olive Thomas

Guest Staff Historic Poisonings, Mercury Leave a Comment
Split photo with a black and white portrait of Olive Thomas on the left and an antique bottle of Mercury Bichloride on the right

Olive Thomas was a well-known model and silent-film actress in the early 1900s. She died from what was likely accidental poisoning of mercury bichloride.

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Recent Posts

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    Spring Cleaning April 24, 2025
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  • Lighted background with present wrapped in blue bow with decorative pine and white berries
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