Arsenic Eaters and the History of Poison as Medicine

Guest: John Parascandola, Author of “King of Poisons: A History of Arsenic” Legends tell of people taking small doses of poison until they develop a tolerance to it. That might come in handy if you’re a ruler worried about being poisoned by someone in your court. Or if you’re Westley in The Princess Bride and you have to challenge a villain to a battle of wits in order to win the freedom of your beloved Buttercup. But is developing tolerance to poison really a thing? It turns out that is kind of is. But it's not recommended.