THE EFFECTS OF ARSENIC ON THE COMPLEXION.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4448, 7 April 1883, Page 4

THE EFFECTS OF ARSENIC ON THE COMPLEXION.

It is necessary to raise a warning cry against the most mischevious statement which has recently been circulated, and has already <lone harm, to the effect that "arsenic in small doses is good for the complexion." It is not difficult to imagine the risks women will incur to preserve or improve their good looks. No more ingenious device for recommending a drug can be hit upon than that which the authors of this most baneful prescription of "arsenic for the complexion" have adopted. Suffice it is to recall the fact that for many years past chemists and sanitarians have been labouring to discover means of eliminating the arsenical salts from the colouring-matter of wall papers and certain dyes once largely used for certain articles of clothing. It is most unfortunate that this hopelessly antagonistic recommendation of arsenic to improve the complexion should have found its way into print. Those who employs the drug as advised—and there are many either already using it or contemplating the rash act—will do so at their peril. So far as they are able, however, it will be the duty of medical men to warn the public against this pernicious practice, which is only too likely to be carried on secretly. It is not /without reason .that we speak thus pointedly and urge practitioners to be on the >• gui' vive in anomalous or obscure eases.—London Lancet.