473 
THE ARSENIC BILL. 
This Bill passed the third reading on the 23d of May, with 
a few verbal alterations. 
In the second clause the quantity “ less than ten pounds 
weight at any one time,” is omitted, the prohibition against 
selling arsenic to strangers, or to persons under full age, being 
general instead of applicable only to the sale of small quantities. 
The prohibition against selling arsenic “to any person other 
than a male person of full age,” is altered by the omission of 
the word “ male.” We understand the British ladies were 
indignant at this aggression on their liberty, which they con- 
sidered equivalent to a vote of “ no confidence.” The remon- 
strance could not be resisted ; accordingly the ladies continue to 
enjoy, equally with the other sex, the privilege of purchasing, 
mixing, and administering, rat poison. In so doing, however, 
they will be in danger of soiling their fingers, and have only to 
make their election between soot and indigo. 
The alteration in the fourth clause, which was suggested in 
our last number, by us, has been made; no restriction being 
placed upon the ordinary business transactions between the 
wholesale and retail dealer. We believe no case is on record 
of an accident or crime arising from irregularities in this stage 
of the business. It is in the retailing of arsenic that the danger 
exists, and to this the remedy should be directed. 
On the third reading of the bill Mr. Wakley expressed a 
desire that it should be deferred for further consideration, as he 
objected to some of its provisions, chiefly to the sale of arsenic 
to persons who cannot write. He also doubted the efficacy of 
the precaution of colouring arsenic with soot or indigo, and 
thought a more effectual bill might be framed if the subject 
were referred to a Select Committee for further consideration. 
Sir George Grey observed, in reply, that the advice of many 
practical men had been obtained ; that it was not desirable to 
discuss the details of the subject publicly, and it was impossible 
to frame a bill which should meet every contingency. He 
believed the bill before the House would answer the purpose 
intended, and hoped it would be allowed to pass the third 
reading. The objection being withdrawn, the bill was passed. 
We have not much faith in the precaution of colouring 
arsenic, which was fully discussed by the Poison Committee of 
the Pharmaceutical Society, and excluded from the report under 
the belief that it would not be effectual. In our opinion the 
value of the Act consists in this fact, that henceforth no person 
will be allowed to sell arsenic to a stranger; and that every sale 
