X-ray fluorescence analysis suggests the possible death by poison of Agnès Sorel, the first royal mistress of France

At beamline ID18, ESRF, scientists studied pieces of hair and skin of Agnès Sorel, who was the beautiful mistress of 15th century French king, Charles VII. Very recently, from X-ray fluorescence spectra, they found that Sorel's remains contained abnormal levels of mercury. The manner of her death was previously unknown, but incredibly high levels of mercury have been found in her remains. This finding will give fresh impetus to the search to reveal the the truth behind this historical event. The source of this news is the web page of ESRF, http://www.esrf.fr/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/sorel/