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Article: The chemistry of violence. (chemical causes of violent behavior)
- Article from:
- Popular Mechanics
- Article date:
- April 1, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Hearst Communications, reprinted with permission of Hearst. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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* Understanding why Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear may provide an important new clue in explaining violent crime. Two scientists say they have strong evidence that violent rages can be sparked by the accumulation of harmful metals in the brain. Some believe the outburst that led Van Gogh to take a razor to his ear may have been triggered by metals in his paints. It is no coincidence, says one scientist, that counties with high rates of violent crime are also those at most risk from metal contamination.
An early clue to a link between metals and violence came from autopsies. When criminals die while committing violent crimes their bodies are tested for alcohol ...