Abstract

Comparative perspectives about toxicology arising from the study of emergency treatment enrich and challenge our perspectives about the emergency treatment of toxic substances. Ancient Rome's toxicological methods are delineated through a historiography and conceptual analysis of the writings of physicians in ancient and modern times, inscriptions, pictorial sources, coins, and archaeological discoveries. Ancient and modern toxicologists employed mechanical, chemical, and physiologic antidotes to victims of poisoning. Modern toxicologists have specific antidotes and antivenins unknown to ancient physicians. The past is a prologue to the future. Comparative perspectives about toxicology arising from the study of counter poisons enrich and challenge our perspectives about the emergency treatment of toxic substances.