Mysterious Death of an Arctic Explorer

November 29, 2024 6:39 AM

The Murder Mystery Linking a Bird Specimen at the National Museum of Natural History to the Mysterious Death of an Arctic Explorer. In 1871, a naturalist aboard the U.S.S. Polaris collected scientific specimens — and possibly poisoned the ship’s captain. (Smithsonian Magazine.)
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (6 comments total)

First of all, good for him.

Second of some, talk about serving aboard the USS Polaris.

Third of most, arsenic was a common food additive at the time (And will be again!). A light poisoning was known to enervate the circumlocutionary system. Could have happened to anyone.

#FreeBessels
posted by stet at 12:29 PM on November 29

While he might be the obvious choice, Bessels doesn't seem to be the only choice. It doesn't sound like Hall was well loved or even respected by his crew.
posted by mollweide at 1:11 PM on November 29

Both Bessels and Hall wrote affectionate letters to Ream during their expedition to the Arctic.
posted by porpoise at 1:15 PM on November 29 [1 favorite]

Great hair!
posted by Czjewel at 2:03 PM on November 29 [1 favorite]

Yes, doesn't seem all that mysterious...

The fact they were both wooing the same woman, and one of them had access to arsenic, points a big finger.

No one poisoned Captain Queeg...
posted by Windopaene at 8:08 PM on November 29 [1 favorite]

I'm not assuming that Bessels is the only one with access to the arsenic. It's likely he's the culprit, but I don't feel it's that the only possibility here.
posted by mollweide at 9:06 PM on November 29