Poisons and Poisonings: The Famous 19th-Century Italian Manual on Poisonous Substances: Plants, Animals, Minerals, Chemical Agents from the Period of Cesare Lombroso.

Originally crafted by Dr. Costante Ferraris in 1897, the renowned Italian Manual on Poisons and Symptoms and Treatments for Poisonings stands as a pivotal text in the annals of toxicology. This edition, meticulously re-issued with modern graphic design elements, preserves the 20 original engravings that elucidate the intricacies of the poisons described. The work is not merely a technical manual but a portal into the socio-historical narrative of its time, making it a treasured piece for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts fascinated by poisons of the past and their botanical curses.

Published by Ulrico Hoepli, the esteemed "Bookseller of the Royal House" in Milan, "Poisons and Poisonings" spans a compendium of toxic substances – from undetectable poisons to those we love despite their dangers. It delves into the greatest hits of toxic agents, including caustic, irritating, stimulant, paralyzing, and blood-related poisons, along with the iconic botanical poisons and curses that have intrigued humanity for centuries.

While anchored in its original era, with notions and treatments indicative of the 19th century, Dr. Ferraris' text invites a contemplative gaze into the lives and works of figures such as Dr. Jekyll with his transformative potions, Cesare Lombroso with his criminological theories, and the deductive prowess of Sherlock Holmes amidst the fog-enshrouded crimes of Jack "The Ripper."

The manual articulates the varied symptoms of poisoning and the contemporary antidotes and treatments, discussing not only the poisons plants yield but also those intoxicating substances voluntarily consumed, like alcohol, hemp, and cocaine. It paints a vivid picture of their impact, from the ether drinkers who "enjoy good health" to the sobering reminder by Dr. Ferraris that such pleasures invariably come at life's expense.

This faithful re-edition offers today's readers a glimpse into a bygone era of medical and forensic toxicology, presenting a classic compendium of knowledge, mystery, and a cautionary perspective on the poisons we encounter, whether through nefarious deeds or in pursuit of misguided pleasures.