Wexler offers this short overview of historical toxicology. The first two chapters discuss the understanding of toxicology in ancient Egypt, including religious explanations of scorpions and snakes, and a debate over the apparent suicide of Cleopatra. Next ancient, medieval, and Renaissance attempts at universal antidotes are examined, as well as evidence of various types of toxicological knowledge in literature and art. Hypotheses regarding the death of Alexander the Great, ancient materia medica for treating botanical poisoning, the actual plants used to execute Socrates in Plato’s account, and gas vents near the oracle of Delphi are presented. The final two chapters discuss the geological basis for myths of “gates to hell” and question the likelihood of chronic lead poisoning in ancient Rome. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)