What famous political leader’s murder was solved through hair analysis?
a. Stalin
b. Hitler
c. Kennedy
d. Napoleon
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. Napoleon.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s death has been a subject of debate for many years. While it was initially believed that he died from stomach cancer in 1821, modern scientific methods, including hair analysis, have revealed a different possibility. Researchers have found traces of arsenic in Napoleon’s hair samples, leading some to believe that he may have been poisoned. The theory suggests that the arsenic could have been intentionally administered, possibly leading to his death.
Napoleon’s death occurred on the island of Saint Helena, where he was exiled after his defeat. His health had been in decline for several years before his death, with symptoms such as stomach pain and weight loss. The autopsy conducted at the time concluded that the cause of death was stomach cancer, which was a plausible explanation given the symptoms. However, during the 1960s, researchers started investigating the possibility of poisoning as a contributing factor.
In the 1960s, an investigation led by researchers who studied Napoleon’s hair found high levels of arsenic, which raised suspicions about foul play. Arsenic was a common substance used in various ways at the time, including as a pesticide and as a treatment for illnesses, but it was also used as a poison. The evidence seemed to support the theory that Napoleon might have been poisoned, possibly by his enemies, although there is still no definitive proof of this claim.
Some scientists argue that the arsenic levels in Napoleon’s hair could have been due to environmental factors, such as the exposure to arsenic in the wallpaper or food on Saint Helena, rather than deliberate poisoning. Nonetheless, the idea that Napoleon’s murder was solved through hair analysis remains a fascinating chapter in the history of forensic science.