In fairness, it has happened several times IRL when scientists realized they’re about to die. I think we know cyanide tastes almond-y because someone wrote it down after a lab accident. I forget her name, but there was a woman who got a lethal dose of a very dangerous form of mercury (due to a ripped glove), and she documented her symptoms for the several days with her husband by her side

Early chemistry used to involve looking, smelling, touching, and tasting new chemicals… Back when science was more of a solo hobby, they’d document everything as they went. I’m sure instant death was pretty rare, but I’m sure there’s at least a few records where it goes “I will now taste the substance. It tastes faintly of lemons and soap. I am struck with dizziness after a few moments. My vision has become blurry, I fear I have made a terrible mistake. Martha, if these are my last thoughts, know they were of you”

I buy that this is a thing a true scientist would do (assuming they thought their only hope was to hide and hope for rescue)… It’s just way overused and often not thought out well