Poisons in the Victorian Age

@celticeagle (165620)
Boise, Idaho
October 17, 2024 9:39pm CST
During the Victorian age(1837-1901) and beyond people knew next to nothing about poisons. They didn't understand the effect they had on the body. Women used arsenic to achieve the pale look that was fashionable during that time. It did this by killing red blood cells. The arsenic came in small wafers that were such a small amount it wouldn't hurt anyone. Yet women did die from using these. It was also used in the manufacture of the color green in wallpaper and clothing. It was popular during this time and the arsenic enhanced the vibrancy of green pigments. It was also used in children's toys. Tartar emetic(also known as antimony tartrate) was used for colds. 12 grains was enough, an ounce was enough to kill 40 people. It purged the body and was used as a medicine because of this. It was made by leaving wine in an antimony cup overnight. Mozart was treated for some mysterious illness. It causes intense vomiting, fever, a swollen abdomen, and swollen limbs. It is unknown if it caused his death since he was dead in 2 weeks. Strychnine was used as a stimulant for athletic stamina, and sex benefits, and like caffeine to cram for tests. But, 5 milligrams is a lethal dose. Lead was added to paint during this time to keep it from flaking and make the colors more vibrant. Many mysterious illnesses were the result of long periods spent in a room with green wallpaper. Prolonged use of these drugs often ended in death. It wasn't until later that doctors realized the harm they did.
7 people like this
3 responses
@dfollin (25351)
• United States
18 Oct
One extreme to the other , pale faces then they invented makeup, sun beds and booths to add color to your skin.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (165620)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Oct
All for beauty.
3 people like this
@dfollin (25351)
• United States
18 Oct
@celticeagle Just funny when you said it was like the thing then and I started thinking, lol
2 people like this
@celticeagle (165620)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
@dfollin ......I see.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (176077)
• United States
18 Oct
This is one of the subjects that I have a great interest in along with medical practices of years gone by. Have a good weekend.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (165620)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
I find an interesting one too.
2 people like this
@noni1959 (10061)
• United States
19 Oct
It's just horrible what they thought would be beneficial back then. I was reading a lot of this too. It's so interesting.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (165620)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
Yes, it sure is interesting. Their ignorance made a lot of people die.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10061)
• United States
19 Oct
@celticeagle I read in the 16th century, those rich, drank gold to help with age spots and aging. Read about other aging trends like scorpion oil and using silver or mercury.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (165620)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Oct
@noni1959 .......Yes, its amazing how ignorant they were back then.