Did you know that the human body produces molecules similar to morphine? Or that there are several indigenous cultures in sub-Saharan Africa that use sap both as a cure and as a poison for arrows? Why do we find certain substances such as nicotine or opiates addictive? It takes us through a fascinating world that, although part of our daily lives, is invisible to a large part of the population. This book shows us the chemicals that have made the Earth and our lives as we know them. Noah Whiteman shows us what toxins are and what role they have played in evolution. Many living things over the centuries have perfected their methods of defense against their enemies, some have become fast, others have hardened their bodies, developed barbs or very sharp fangs. However, others have opted for a slightly more ingenious option: poison. This has been one of the most effective protection tactics for many plants, animals, fungi... We are all aware of the danger of a spider's bite, a snake's bite or a stinging nettle. However, as time goes by, these toxins are in many more places than we think, in our refrigerators, hospitals, bars or cosmetic products. Just as some creatures have evolved to be poisonous, others have developed defense systems or learned ways to use these substances to their advantage. We will discover how a great variety of species, without ever having taken a chemistry class or read a laboratory report, were already aware of the benefits they could obtain by using certain parts of certain beings. "History of Natural Poisons" tells us about a familiar world, but through a new lens that reveals, for the first time, connections and secrets of nature that go beyond what we could have ever imagined.
