Life and Death Rays

Alan Perkins is Emeritus Professor of Medical Physics in Radiological Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, having previously held the position of Clinical Professor of Medical Physics in the School of Medicine and Honorary Consultant Clinical Scientist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where he was the Clinical Support Divisional Lead for Research and Innovation. He has over 35 years experience in Nuclear Medicine and Medical Physics and broad managerial experience in the National Health Service. His contribution to clinical science and collaborative research has resulted in authorship of over 200 peer-reviewed publications and 6 published textbooks. Professor Perkins is a Past President of the British Nuclear Medicine Society and Past President of the International Research Group for Immunoscintigraphy and Therapy, a previous Vice President of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and currently a Governor and Chair of the Research Strategy Board for Coeliac UK. He was an editor of the UK journal Nuclear Medicine Communications and for over 9 years represented the UK on The High-Level Group for the Security of Medical Radioisotope Supplies at the OECD in Paris. He has consulted for a number of commercial organisations and has acted as an expert witness for pharmaceutical litigation in the US.

• ContentsPreface xiAcknowledgements xiiiAbout the Author xvChapter 1 The Poisoned Chalice ................................................. 1Chapter 2 Designer Poisons ……………………………………………………. 19Chapter 3 Mysterious Rays ……………………………………………………….29Chapter 4 Radiant Health ………………………………………………………. 43Chapter 5 Kill or Cure …………………………………………………..………... 59Chapter 6 Chain Reactions ………………….………….……………….87Chapter 7 Nutopia …………………………………………….…………. 103Chapter 8 From Tracers to Treatment ………………………………………. 119Chapter 9 A Series of Unfortunate Events …………………………………. 137Chapter 10 Home and Away ……………………………………………………. 155Chapter 11 Biological Effects and Medical Treatment ………………..…. 167Chapter 12 Spies, Subterfuge, Missions and Murder ………………………. 181Glossary ………………………………………………………………….……………. 205Bibliography ……………………………………………………………….…………. 213Appendix 1: Table of SI Metric Prefixes …………………………….…………. 219Index ……………………………………………………………………………..……. 221

Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure by Alan Perkins (2022) is an in-depth exploration of radiation and radioactive poisoning. The book provides great insight into radiation’s history, science, and impact with an approach that combines technical aspects with fascinating historical stories. It explains the medical benefits of radiation and its dangers, making the book relevant to professionals in clinical toxicology, environmental health, and medical fields and general readers interested.Overall, Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure is a very informative and interesting book that combines aspects of history, science, and ethics in one coherent narrative. While some areas could be improved, such as further case studies and discussion of recent developments, the book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in radiation and radioactive poisoning. With an easy-to-understand writing style and supportive illustrations, this book can be enjoyed by both general readers and professionals in related fields.- Cacu Cacu and Elfi Rindiana, International Journal of Radiation Biology, September 2024The imagery and compelling narratives give the book the tone of a detective novel! Alan Perkins does an excellent job of arousing the reader's curiosity, drawing them in and encouraging them to browse through the pages. Perkins' writing is engaging with a sense of wit. The book is very well-researched, referencing a wide range of sources, such as historical records, scientific papers, reports and interviews. The inclusion of numerous historical photographs of scientists, laboratories, equipment, sites and artefacts enhances the readability and contributes to the book's overall appeal and worth.“Life and Death Rays” offers an insightful and well-rounded exploration of the history and impact of radiation and radioactivity in humanity. Alan Perkins is a master storyteller (he delivers captivating talks as well!) who promotes a profound understanding of radiation's ‘double-edged sword’ properties to both heal and harm. If you are fascinated by the history and science of radiation, radioactivity, X-rays, nuclear power, radiation poisoning, and the ethical challenges involved in employing such an extremely powerful force on humanity, then this book is for you.- Emeritus Professor Kwan Hoong Ng, Department of Biomedical Imaging, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, March 2025