Date: 09/04/2007

Lead poisoning accidentally caused by his own doctor, says a journal article published recently by SJSU's Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies. Viennese forensic scientist Christian Reiter found spikes in the lead concentration of the composer's hair correlated with the timing of his doctor's treatments. The findings jarred Beethoven fans worldwide, and attracted international media attention. "What else could he have composed because if you can extend Beethoven's life by a year, you could have had two more string quartets," Beethoven Center Director William Meredith told the San Jose Mercury News. More on the center.