Beethoven Succumbed to Lead Poisoning!

I knew, I just knew. . . years ago, when a locket of Beethoven's hair was auctioned off (pre-Ebay), I knew it would be subjected to analysis after analysis. Seems the scientists have also gotten hold of some bone fragments too, and worked whatever CSI hocus-pocus was needed to determine that the poor man died of lead poisoning.

That's why he always scowls and looks so suspicious in his portraits. He knew people would still be picking away at his bones, poking into his business, 200 years after he died.

Oh, well, at least it's gotten us off the "Beethoven had syphilis" kick that was so trendy twenty years ago.


Read the story here.