The Subtlety of Poisons.
--At a recent discussion before the Society of
Arts, in London, on the detection of arsenical poisoning, Dr. Letheby
traced the progress of toxicological research from the trial of Donald,
in 1815, up to the present time.
A little while before that period, ten grains of arsenic were required
to make a metallic test satisfactory in a court of law. Afterwards, Dr.
Black improved the process till he could detect the poison if he had one
grain to operate upon.
It was then thought a marvel of toxicological skill when Dr. Christison
said he only required the 16th of a grain; but now we can trace the
presence of the 250,000,000th of a grain of arsenic!
It is to be feared that the detection of this particular poison has
reached an almost dangerous degree of delicacy, and extreme caution is
necessary in examination for its criminal administration.
We live surrounded by means of unconsciously absorbing traces of
arsenic; we breathe arsenical dust from the green wall papers of our
rooms; the confectioners supply it wholesale in their cake ornaments and
sweetmeats; the very drugs prescribed for our relief are tainted with
arsenic; nay, more, even our vegetable food, as Professor Davy has
lately pointed out, may be contaminated with arsenic; and there is
probably no drinking water containing iron without a trace of arsenic as
well.
The poison may thus be stored up in the system till, in the course of
years, the amount becomes appreciable.
Source: Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 2, 1860
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