History of Poisons and Poisoners

History of Poisons and Poisoners

Ancient Uses of Poisons

  • 2000 BC: Use of toxic smoke recorded in ancient India.

  • 1000 BC: Formulas for poisonous and noxious vapors found in Chinese writings.

Documentation of Antidotes

  • 600 BC: Mentioned in the Odyssey and Shastras.

Development of Universal Antidote

  • 129-200 AD: Galen writes (D-AAT):

    • De Antidotis I

    • De Antidotis II

    • De Theriaca ad Pisonem

  • King Mithridates VI of Pontus (132-63 BC) developed a universal antidote known as theriac (or alexipharmic):

    • Contained 36+ ingredients that were ingested daily.

    • Provided protection against various poisons:

      • Venomous stings and bites from (VSS):

        • Vipers

        • Spiders

        • Scorpions

Continued Refinement and Critique

  • Refinements of theriac (antidote) formulations persisted for nearly 2000 years.

  • 1745: William Heberden questions the effectiveness in Antitheriaka: An Essay on Mithridatium and Theriaca.