Hello (I'm catching up!) the random information my brain retains pinged at both of these notes
1. One theory is that the wallpaper in Napoleon's home contained arsenic which was released (as a vapour) by the damp weather, hence arsenic in his hair sample. It didn't actually kill him but made lots of those around ill too. See: http://www.victorianweb.org/history/arsenic.html and numerous other sources. 2. Arsenic gave a fashionable pallor to the face, hence its application (along with lead) by elegant ladies. again http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/mb/rouge.html or http://www.vintageconnection.net/ModesInMakeup.htm Some have even suggested that Mozart died from over-enthusiastic application of face cream! Hello Nicole - I'm in Edinburgh and I love your site! What are you working on now? I'm knee deep in a recreation of Eowyn's green velvet gown for myself for a wedding this weekend (I'm at the toile stage: don't ask, it's a deadline/kamikaze thing). Not strictly historical but fun. Katherine S "A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort" - Herm Albright ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
