
About this episode
From primetime to print, forensic scientists are usually depicted as courtroom heroes, but their real-life work makes for more than a thrilling story. On today's episode we look at how one such scientist sealed the fate of Palmer the Poisoner in the 19th century. Then we speak with forensic scientist Mike Eyring, whose team helped solve the biggest serial murder case in U.S. history.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:32 Introduction
01:17 Palmer the Poisoner
04:59 Interview with Michael Eyring
13:59 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to James Voelkel, Peter O'Dowd, and Esther D'Amico for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Distillations | Science History Institute publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Distillations | Science History Institute

Agnes Pockels and the Kitchen Sink Myth
Distillations | Science History Institute

Flemmie Kittrell and the Preschool Experiment
Distillations | Science History Institute

The CRISPR Babies
Distillations | Science History Institute

Humans and Monsters: An Interview with Surekha Davies
Distillations | Science History Institute