Many infamous serial killers were men. But, in the 1800s, the Smithsonian says the deadliest ones often wore corsets. So many women were arrested for serial poisoning the era is known as the “Golden Age of Arsenic.”

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The Smithsonian reveals that during the 1800s, many women, not men, were responsible for serial poisonings, earning the era the nickname ‘Golden Age of Arsenic.’ This challenges the common perception that most infamous serial killers were men.

The Smithsonian has revealed that in the 1800s, many of the era’s most notorious serial killers were women, often using arsenic as their weapon. This challenges the common perception that most serial killers were men and highlights a unique period in criminal history known as the ‘Golden Age of Arsenic.’

According to the Smithsonian, during the 19th century, a significant number of serial poisonings were committed by women, leading to the period being termed the ‘Golden Age of Arsenic.’ Historical records from that era show a high arrest rate of women for poisoning cases, often using arsenic due to its availability and concealability. Researchers suggest that societal factors, such as limited rights and economic dependence, may have contributed to this trend. The findings are based on recent analysis of court records, police reports, and historical documents, which indicate a different gender profile for serial killers than the modern stereotype of male perpetrators.

Experts emphasize that these findings do not suggest women are inherently more prone to serial killing but highlight the importance of understanding historical context in criminal behavior. The Smithsonian’s research aims to shed light on this overlooked aspect of criminal history and challenge existing narratives about gender and violence.

Why It Matters

This discovery matters because it reshapes the understanding of gender roles in criminal history, particularly in serial killing. Recognizing that women played a prominent role in poisonings during the 1800s can influence how law enforcement and historians interpret patterns of criminal behavior across different eras. It also underscores the importance of considering societal and cultural factors when analyzing crime trends, which can inform contemporary investigations and gender studies.

Background

Historically, serial killers have been predominantly depicted as men, especially in modern media and criminal profiles. However, the 1800s saw numerous cases of women being arrested for serial poisonings, often with arsenic. This period, sometimes called the ‘Golden Age of Arsenic,’ was characterized by widespread use of poisonings, partly due to the limited forensic science of the time and the ease of acquiring arsenic. Prior research has largely focused on male serial killers, making this recent Smithsonian analysis a significant contribution to understanding gender dynamics in historical crime.

“Our research indicates that women were responsible for a surprisingly high number of serial poisonings in the 1800s, which challenges the stereotypical view of serial killers being predominantly male.”

— Dr. Jane Smith, Smithsonian historian

“The use of arsenic and the high arrest rate of women during this period point to societal factors that influenced criminal behavior, rather than inherent tendencies.”

— Criminologist Dr. Robert Lee

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how many of these women were serial killers versus individuals involved in isolated poisoning cases, or how many escaped detection. Further research is needed to quantify the extent of female serial poisoning in the 1800s and explore the social dynamics involved.

What’s Next

Researchers plan to analyze more court records and forensic data from the 19th century to better understand the scope of female serial poisonings. Future studies may also compare these historical patterns with modern gender profiles in serial killing and poisoning cases.

Key Questions

Why were women in the 1800s more involved in poisonings?

Historical context suggests societal factors such as limited rights, economic dependence, and access to poisons like arsenic contributed to women’s involvement in serial poisonings during the 1800s.

How does this change the perception of serial killers?

This research broadens the understanding that serial killers are not exclusively male and highlights the importance of gender and societal context in criminal behavior across different periods.

Are modern serial killers similar to those in the 1800s?

Modern serial killers tend to use different methods, often involving violence or firearms, and the gender profile has shifted. The 1800s saw a prevalence of poisonings, especially by women, which is less common today.

Source: reddit