Arsenic-Eating.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 406, 28 September 1889, Page 3

Arsenic- Eating.

Ijf some countries, especially in Austria (though the practice is not unknown in England), arsenic is given to cattle and horses to render the skin bright and glossy. In Styria ars9nic is taken by the peasant girls to increase their attractions ; and it has been definitely ascertained that- over a considerable area in the south-west of Austria, including Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyiol, Lower Austria, and the Erzgebirge, arseniceating is largely practised by men, who nevertheless attain a healthy old age. Arsenic-eaters, who generally begin the use of the drug secretly, say that it improves the complexion, increases the digestive powers, and so strengthens the respiratory organs as to enable the bearers of heavy burdens to climb mountains with ease. At first a dose may be taken once a week, afterwards daily : and there arc authenticated cases of men who consume six grains — enough to poison three men — at one dose without inconvenience. Once the habit is established it is impossible to give up arsenic-eating ; terrible heartgnawings following any attempt gi'adually to stop the practice ; and sudden cessation causes death. That arsenic can be taken habitually for any length of time with impunity was formerly regarded as a physiological impossibility : and yet the fact is established on unquestionable evidence. — Extract from 'Chambers' Encyclopaedia,' published in 1888.