PRACTICE OF ARSENIC-EATING IN STYRIA. 215 



piece of avsenious acid which weighed 4^ grains, crushing 

 it between his teeth, and swallowing it. On the 23^6? 

 February he in like manner eat a piece of arsenious acid 

 which weighed 5I grains. During this period he consumed 

 his food with his usual appetite, drank much spirituous 

 liquors, and on the 24^/i went away in his ordinary 

 state of health. He informed Dr. Knappe that he was 

 in the habit of taking the above quantity of arsenic three 

 or four times during the week. The urine which this man 

 passed on the 21s/ instant, on which day he said that he 

 likewise took a dose of arsenic, as well as that passed on 

 the 22nd, was chemically examined by Dr. Schafer, and in 

 both portions the presence of arsenic was incontestibly 

 proved. The details of the methods of analysis era- 

 ployed showed that the examination was made with due 

 care, and that every reliance may be placed in the results 

 obtained. 



The following cases came under the personal observation 

 of the reporting medical men ; and although no chemical 

 examination of the substance was made, and the weight of 

 arsenic eaten was not determined, yet they appear of great 

 interest, as helping to throw light upon the question. 



A bstract of statements made by the reporting medical men. 



( Copies of the original reports in the possession 



of the Society.) 



Dr. Holler of Hartberg makes the following remarks : — 

 I. *■' I once made an expedition, in company with several 

 friends, to the Alps in the Ens Valley. We were accom- 

 panied by two guides, and remained in a hut overnight. 

 In the morning, on going to the spring to wash, I saw one 

 of the guides carefully shake a white powder from a paper 

 into his hand, and lick it off with his tongue. I asked him 

 what the powder was ; he answered that it was arsenious 

 acid. On questioning him as to the reason of his taking 



