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Deadly Victorian Remedies

From the author of 'A Year in Victorian Edinburgh' and 'Crime and Punishment in Victorian Edinburgh', a selection of tales from the Coroner's Court where so called 'remedies' went horribly wrong. The world of quack medicine with its spurious remedies and unqualified practitioners served to make a lucrative income for many in the Victorian era at the expense of the unwitting and often impoverished public. With little restrictions on the claims that could be made of the effectiveness of these remedies, many offered seemingly miraculous cures at a far cheaper price than traditional medicines administered by a qualified doctor. Whilst some remedies had a scientific basis for their claims, others were completely useless and some were simply dangerous. This book looks at twelve cases where deaths occurred involving the use of questionable remedies and dangerous medical practices, by following the proceedings of the Coroner’s inquests and incorporating modern knowledge on poisons. Will you come to the same conclusion as the Coroner? Have a look at the evidence…Read more

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