532 
Arsenical Poisoning by Wall-Papers [September, 
wall-papers, and textile fabrics. Copper utensils are also 
required to be tinned. In other cases paints for internal 
decorations, and all articles of domestic use, are included 
and enumerated. The most complete regulations are those 
met with in Zurich, where, for the colouring, painting, and 
ornamentation of articles of food, drink, and clothing, the 
paper envelopes of food used in confectionery, toys, wall- 
papers, window blinds, wafers, &c. ; the employment of 
colours containing any compound of arsenic, lead, copper, 
antimony, zinc, mercury, or bismuth are absolutely pro- 
hibited. Imported articles containing any prohibited colours 
are not allowed to be sold. 
In Austro-Hungary there is an Imperial law forbidding 
the sale of poisons, but it imposes no restriction on their 
use in trades and manufactures, while in Spain and 
Portugal there are no laws whatever bearing on the question 
of poisons. From what we know of the backward state of 
therapeutics and medicine in these countries this is not 
surprising. 
It is but right to state that harmless pigments of proved 
utility and value have been prepared to replace arsenical 
colours in the manufacture of wall-papers in this country, 
and that every precaution is now taken by the larger firms of 
wall-paper printers to prevent as far as possible the use of 
poisonous colours, or those likely to be injurious to health, 
being introduced into their printing works. They buy only 
colours guaranteed free from arsenic. 
Some months since the Council of the National Health 
Society appointed a Committee of medical men, chemists, 
and others to collect information as to the effects on health 
of poisonous pigments and colours in articles of home 
decoration, domestic use, and wearing apparel, with a view 
of obtaining legislative aCtion in this important subject. A 
Bill has been framed, which, it is hoped, will be early intro- 
into the New Parliament, and wdthout much further loss of 
time placed on the Statute Book. 
