ニコチンと殺虫剤・たばこ『三幕の殺人』

Nicotine, pesticides, and tobacco, in Three Act Tragedy

主人公の一人が俳優であったことより，3件の殺人事件が幕に例えられている。一見関連のないように見えた3件の事件が，最後につながってくる，アガサ・クリスティーならではの醍醐味である。本書での殺人事件では3件ともニコチンが使われている。ニコチンといえばたばこが連想されるが，当時は殺虫剤の主流がニコチンであり，容易に入手可能であった。ニコチンは体内に入ると，アセチルコリン受容体に結合して，さまざまな症状を呈する。

Abstract

Since one of the main characters in Three Act Tragedy was an actor, the three murders described in the book have been likened to a curtain. The three seemingly unrelated murders were connected at the end of the story, a thrill unique to the author, Agatha Christie. Nicotine was used in all three murders in this book. Nicotine is highly toxic and was one of the main pesticides used until the mid-20th century. Although its use is currently prohibited, neonicotinoid pesticides, which have reduced toxicity, are still being used. Problems with nicotine intoxication include accidental ingestion by young children, green tobacco sickness, and suicide attempts. When nicotine enters the body, it binds to acetylcholine receptors and causes various symptoms.