Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1588

SIR ROBERT CHRISTISON (1797-1882) A treatise on poisons. Ed. Barrington & Geo. D. Haswell 1845 1st American from the 4th Edinburgh ed. Copy 1: 756 [36] pp., illus. 21.1 cm. Brown cloth; Copy 2: 756 pp., illus. 22.2 cm.

One of the leading toxicologists of the nineteenth century, Christison received his M.D. at Edinburgh in 1819. He continued his studies in England and France where he concentrated especially on chemistry and toxicology. He was well known for his ability as a medical witness and was involved as an adviser in many important cases. His testimony in the trial of Burke and Hare, the notorious resurrection men (see No. 2132), was instrumental in their conviction for murder. In toxicology and pharmacology he performed major research on arsenic poisoning, the effects of oxalic acid, the action of water on lead, and he investigated the properties and physiological effects of Calabar beans, coca leaves, opium, and wine. It was the present work, first published at Edinburgh in 1829, that established his reputation as one of the foremost figures in toxicology. A comprehensive and detailed treatise, it became the authoritative work on poisons for many years.

See Related Record(s): 2132

Cited references: Garrison-Morton 2076 (Edinburgh ed., 1829); Wellcome II, p. 345