The Top 5 Most Infamous Poisons Used in Murder: A Historical Overview

According to SAEDNEWS, The use of poison as a murder weapon is considerably rare today, thanks to modern forensic science, which can identify a wide range of toxic agents, even in minute quantities. However, throughout history, certain poisons have been favored by those with lethal intent. Below is a thorough exploration of five of the most notoriously used poisons in murders.

1. Arsenic

Arsenic is perhaps one of the most infamous poisons in history. Known since Roman times, it has been used to eliminate rivals, including emperors. Specifically, white arsenic, or arsenic oxide, is a tasteless, water-soluble solid that can easily be added to food or drinks, making it a quiet killer. During the 17th century, it was commercially sold as “inheritance powder” by agents of Giulia Toffana, a Sicilian woman who helped people remove unwanted family members. In the 1800s, arsenic compounds became readily available as household items like rat poisons and insecticides, contributing to numerous domestic murder cases. Notable historical figures, such as George III, were suspected to have been poisoned with arsenic, showcasing its dark legacy.

2. Atropine (Belladonna)

Atropine, also known as belladonna, is extracted from the berries of the deadly nightshade bush. This poison has a long history, having been used in small doses to induce hallucinations in ancient Greek rituals. In contrast, larger doses could lead to almost certain death; just a few berries can be fatal. The symptoms of atropine poisoning, which include fever and delirium, were often mistaken for common illnesses during the Middle Ages. Because of its ability to mimic natural causes of death, it became a favored poison among would-be murderers seeking to evade detection.

3. Strychnine

Strychnine, extracted from the seeds of the nux vomica tree native to Southeast Asia, was once believed to be a tonic. It gained popularity in the West during the 19th century as trade routes opened up with the Far East. Physicians sometimes prescribed it in small doses for convalescence, leading to a paradox: the very same substance could be lethal in larger quantities. While notorious for its use in some infamous murders, its availability as a rat poison means that it has likely been employed in many undiscovered crimes, leaving a haunting legacy.

4. Cyanide

Cyanide is a particularly fearsome poison known for its rapid action; it can cause death within minutes of ingestion. This toxic substance can be found in several forms—in fact, it can be distilled from the kernels of certain nuts, such as almonds. Its industrial applications, particularly in mining, render it accessible, thus increasing the odds of its use in murder. The infamous Tylenol murders in the 1980s, where cyanide-laced capsules led to multiple deaths in the Chicago area, highlighted its potential for mass harm. Its speed of action has made cyanide the preferred choice for covert operations, exemplified by its known use in “suicide pills” carried by secret agents.

5. Thallium

Thallium is a more recent addition to the arsenal of poisons, having been discovered in the 1860s. Commonly found in some rat poisons, thallium sulfate is both tasteless and water-soluble—traits that made it ideal for secretive poisonings. Unlike many other poisons, thallium’s symptoms can take days to manifest, misleading victims and medical professionals into attributing them to other illnesses. This property has made it notorious in cases of assassination, with historical accounts suggesting its use by the KGB and even in regimes like that of Saddam Hussein, where it was employed as a tool of political repression.

Conclusion

While the use of poison to commit murder has become increasingly rare in modern times, the legacy of these five notorious poisons endures. Each has played a significant role in criminal history, showcasing the intersection of science, intent, and the darker elements of human nature. From the discreet application of arsenic to the rapid lethality of cyanide, understanding these toxic agents enriches our comprehension of how individuals have historically wielded poison as a weapon.