Meaning: The quote you provided refers to the controversial death of Napoleon Bonaparte and the subsequent debate about whether he was poisoned with arsenic. The mention of the French and the British blaming each other reflects the historical tensions and rivalries between the two nations, which adds another layer of complexity to the circumstances surrounding Napoleon's demise. Michael Baden, a well-known forensic pathologist and a celebrity in the field, has likely commented on this historical event from a forensic perspective, given his expertise in the subject.

Napoleon Bonaparte, a prominent military and political figure in the early 19th century, died on the island of Saint Helena on May 5, 1821. His death has been the subject of much speculation and conspiracy theories, with poisoning being one of the most enduring and controversial theories. The controversy surrounding Napoleon's death arises from several factors, including the lack of a definitive cause of death at the time and the subsequent conflicting accounts and interpretations of historical evidence.

The quote alludes to the absence of conclusive evidence regarding the presence of arsenic in Napoleon's body. Arsenic poisoning was a common method of assassination during that era, and suspicions of foul play were further fueled by the circumstances of Napoleon's exile and the political interests of the nations involved. The British, who were responsible for Napoleon's custody on Saint Helena, and the French, who were still deeply divided over his legacy, both had motivations for either protecting or tarnishing his reputation through the circumstances of his death.

The mention of the lack of available testing for arsenic at the time of Napoleon's death underscores the difficulties in conclusively determining whether poisoning occurred. In the absence of modern forensic techniques, historical investigations into Napoleon's death have relied on the analysis of his symptoms, the accounts of witnesses, and the examination of hair and tissue samples. However, the inconclusive nature of this evidence has only served to perpetuate the mystery surrounding the true cause of Napoleon's death.

The debate over Napoleon's alleged poisoning has persisted for centuries, with scholars, historians, and forensic experts offering various interpretations and analyses of the available evidence. While some have dismissed the poisoning theory as a product of conspiracy theories and political propaganda, others have continued to advocate for a more thorough and conclusive investigation into the matter.

Michael Baden's reference to the conflicting accusations between the French and the British encapsulates the international dimension of the controversy surrounding Napoleon's death. The geopolitical interests and historical animosities between these two nations have undoubtedly influenced the narratives and interpretations of Napoleon's demise, adding a layer of complexity to an already contentious historical event.

In conclusion, the quote you provided touches upon the enduring mystery and controversy surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte's death and the persistent speculation about the possibility of arsenic poisoning. The historical, political, and forensic dimensions of this debate continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the enduring fascination with one of history's most enigmatic figures and the unresolved questions that shroud his final days.