----- Original Message -----
From: "Leslie Mundy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Yes, there was/is a poison pigment made from arsenic
that was used extensively in wallpaper in the 1800's.
This is just scuttlebutt, but I've heard that arsenic in small quantities
was used as a cosmetic aid until the early 20thC--apparently small amounts
improve the skin and hair's appearance, and make the pupils of one's eyes
widen creating the effect of larger eyes. (That last might have been
belladonna; going on memory here.)
In other words, maybe they were a little more willing to be slowly poisoned
by arsenic if it made them look good than we are be in the days of safe(ish)
OTC cosmetics. We actually need a small amount of arsenic in our diet for
health, anyway, though I expect that these pigments exceeded that amount.
-E House
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