Another singular benefit is supposed to arise from the use of this substance, similar to that claimed by the Peruvians for their coca, namely, that of rendering the breathing easier in toiling uphill, so that steep heights may be climbed without difficulty or exhaustion. It is curious that the mountaineers of the Andes and the Alps, at distances so remote, should deem themselves possessed of the means of assisting nature in surmounting difficulties, by preventing exhaustion in climbing the mountain side: in one instance, by chewing a quid of leaves which grow plentifully on the mountain slopes, and in the other, by swallowing a small fragment of a mineral obtained from the mines at the mountain side.
Whilst the practice of arsenic eating is continued, no evil effects would seem to be experienced, everything connected with the body of the eater seems to be in a flourishing condition, the appearance is healthy, plump, and fresh, no symptoms of poisoning are manifested until the regular dose is discontinued, when a great feeling of discomfort arises, the digestion becomes deranged, burning sensations and spasms are present in the throat, pains in the bowels commence, and the breathing becomes oppressed. From these unpleasant sensations there is no relief but by an immediate return to the habit of arsenic eating, and hence, when once commenced, the use of this article becomes a necessity of life, and the poisonous mineral a “precious metal.”
Dr. Macgowan of Ningpo, says, “We are told that Mongolian hunters, beyond the wall, eat arsenic to enable them to endure cold when patiently lying on the snow to entrap martins. In this part of China arsenic is taken by divers, who in cold weather plunge into still water in pursuit of fish, which are then found hybernating among stones at the piers of bridges. We perceive with regret, that the modern Chinese have added arsenic to their habitual stimulants. The red sulphuret in powder is mixed with tobacco, and their joint fumes are smoked in the ordinary manner. We have met with no habitual smokers of this compound of mineral and vegetable poisons; but persons who have made trial state that dizziness and sickness attend first attempts. After a few trials, arseniated tobacco may be taken without any apparent inconvenience. From reports given of it, we infer that its effects on the Chinese are analogous to what is observed among the arsenic-eating peasants of Austria.
“At Peking, where arseniated tobacco is most in use, it costs no more than the unmixed article; it may be known by the red colour imparted to the vegetable by the powdered proto-sulphuret. Its introduction is attributed to Cantonese from Chauchau. If this be correct, it is probable that these southerners, unable at the north to procure the masticatory to which they are addicted, sought to appease a craving for the pungent but harmless lime and betel nut, by substituting the deleterious mineral gas. Many of the miserable victims of opium, to whom that narcotic is a necessity, and not a pleasure, have eagerly employed the new stimulant to prop and exhilarate their exhausted bodies, and, perhaps, have thereby meliorated and prolonged their existence. We would fain hope that the use of arsenical stimulants will not become general; yet that pernicious custom is extending, and we know our race too well not to entertain fears on that subject. It is even stated that, for a time at least, the reigning Emperor in his boyhood preferred tobacco thus mineralized. In domestic economy, the red sulphuret is employed for making away with rats and husbands.”[33]
One of the best things that Hahnemann ever did was to write a treatise on arsenic. This he did well, and therefore deserves to be remembered; but for this he is often forgotten, and is only extolled for a less important labour—the introduction of homœopathy. Chemists deserve well of mankind for the assiduity with which they have studied this subtle poison, so that now it may be detected in the minutest quantities. One point, however, seems to be hardly clear, and on this, perhaps, the Styrian peasant could enlighten us, namely, the taste of arsenic, some declaring that it has no distinguishable taste, others, that it is sweetish, and others saline. The only means of arriving at the truth is rather too hazardous a one to be ventured upon.
The effects of arsenic upon the human frame, were illustrated in a curious case which occurred a few years since in the northern part of France. A domestic at a country seat wished to cause the death of his mistress, and mixed arsenic in small quantities with her food, hoping that the slow operation of the poison would prevent any suspicion of murder. To his great astonishment, she gained rapidly in health, flesh, and spirits. At length he gave her a larger quantity, which occasioned serious illness, and led to the discovery and punishment of the crime.
We have as yet applied arsenic only to some of the purposes for which it is applicable. The roses of England possess enough of bloom without resorting to the bloom of the smelting furnace. Although we use it to preserve with all the appearances of life the deceased zoological curiosities of our museums, we do not seek its aid to enhance the charms of those living specimens of beauty which are the glory and the pride of our hearths and homes. Fortunately, we have no Andes to climb, and no Alps to scale, and the summits we have to gain are arrived at by dint of perseverance, and no small amount of puffing, in which latter circumstance it seems to be our nature to glory as much as the Peruvian or the Austrian in its absence. Now and then we become suspicious of its presence in our green paper hangings, and in that menial office are almost content to dispense with its services. Or anon, we are treated to a scramble of Bradford drops, which, finding the temperature of the climate uncongenial, melt away to a stray ghost or two that haunt the stoppered bottles of our chemical museums. Grumble as we may at our precious metals, we—
“Rather bear those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of.”
Animals have not escaped arsenic-eating, for the Austrians, having discovered its property of plumping up, and putting into good condition the human animal, have resorted to it, as an improver of their ill-conditioned horses. Gentlemen’s grooms bestow it upon the animals in their charge, and pronounce its effects as certain and as marvellous, as upon thin and sickly-looking damsels. A pinch of the white powder is sprinkled like pepper over the “feed of corn,” or tied up in a piece of rag and fastened to the “bit,” before that instrument is introduced into the animal’s mouth. The same two properties are said to be exhibited in the case of the horses, as are affirmed to take place in man. The body is plumped out, and rounded into fair proportions, the skin rendered sleek and glossy, and the breath is improved, so that long journeys, steep and rugged ascents, and heavy loads, are readily overcome by its potency. If this secret were communicated to some of our London omnibus and cabmen, it would probably be of advantage to the appearance of some of the poor animals doomed for a certain time to walk this earth, and increase their facility for moving through a space of three or four miles in less time than a pedestrian could accomplish the feat.