Toxicology: Past, present, and future

Abstract

Toxicology is the study of poisons and poisoning and has an ancient and venerable history. Although there have been numerous notorious poisonings throughout the ages and rather astute descriptions of toxic agents, the scientific study of toxicology did not commence until the 19th century. There was rapid development of analytical methods in the late 19th century and then an acceleration of both method and scientific development in the latter half of the 20th century. Toxicology today can be subdivided into clinical toxicology, forensic toxicology, industrial or occupational toxicology, environmental toxicology, pharmaceutical toxicology, experimental toxicology, and workplace drug testing. The historical development of these overlapping areas of toxicology will be discussed, culminating in a prediction as to what the future may bring.