"The Affair of the Poisons, as it became known, was an extraordinary episode that took place in France during the reign of Louis XIV. When poisoning and black magic became widespread, arrests followed. Suspects included those among the highest ranks of society. Many were tortured and numerous executions resulted." "The 1676 torture and execution of the Marquise de Brinvilliers marked the start of the scandal that rocked the foundations of French society...