i^93' on the poisonous nature of lead. 329 



On the poisonous nature of lead. h'c. 



Notwithstanding the many and frequent cautions given 

 the public, with respect to the dangerous nature of cop- 

 per ; I have rarely observed any precautions given con- 

 cerning the poisonous nature ot* lead, which is to be a- 

 voided mors cautiously, as its poison, though perhaps slowei- 

 in its effects, may yet prove as ;atal, or even more cer- 

 tainly so than that from the copper. 



Lead enters into vaiiou? compositions, and forms many of 

 the utensils in common use j and in this countiy vhe health 

 of its inhabitants is much more exposed from the de- 

 leterious quality of the lead, than from that of cop- 

 per. 



A small quantity of lead received into the habit, is ca- 

 pable of producing spasms and convulsions, tremors and 

 palsies 5 it interrupts the secretions, retards circulation 

 and injures the nerves. 



So virulent is the poison of this metal, that it is saiJ 

 that where the ore is wafhed and smelted, it proves fatal 

 to dogs, cats, and fowls, which arc kept near the works • 

 — every kind of beast feeding upon the grafs over which 

 the steam of the smelting ore pafses, live but a fliort 

 time. — The workmen and those who dig the ore, are 

 ftiort-lived, and most commonly die paralytic — those who 

 work the oxyde or calx of this mineral are so subject to tha 

 colic, that tlie disease is known by the name of the pain- 

 ter's colic. 



'fh potter also who is familiar with the preparations 

 of l.:ad in his g.,.zings, rarely fails of carrying visible marks 

 cf it in his rountenance, and of the complaints of iis de- 

 leterious effects. 



VOL. xvi. T T J, 



