Medical Elementology And Toxicology
What Is Toxicology? "All substances are poisons: there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." Paracelsus ( 1493-1541) Paracelsus This image shows Paracelsus, a 16th-century physician who is regarded as the "Father of Toxicology." Although poisons and poisoning episodes have been known about since ancient times, toxicology as a separate scientific field is relatively new. Although people have always wanted to ensure their health and safety, making inferences about dangerous compounds requires knowledge. This was first accomplished through trial and error, with compounds being examined to determine which were safe and which should be avoided. The toxicity of snakebite venom and its treatment have been documented in written records that date back to approximately 450 BCE. According to popular belief, Cleopatra herself killed herself by biting herself with an asp, albeit this story may be more fiction than fact. ...