COPPER. 
515 
had been dressed. Application had been made to 
the best physicians, but they were unable to give 
him the least relief from so melancholy a situation.” 
Magellan speaks in rather strong terms, when he 
adds that “ hardly a year passes without hearing of 
whole families and numerous guests, that have been 
destroyed by this kind of poisonous copper, or its 
green rust, which happened to be dissolved in the 
soups and stews of their meals ; and if death do not 
ensue, it is certain, at least, that great part of the 
chronical diseases, palsies, griping in the bowels, 
and other habitual complaints, which are supposed 
to proceed from other causes, originate from the 
pernicious old and vulgar custom of employing this 
poisonous metal in our kitchens, on account of the 
oeconomy supposed to arise from its durability, and 
neat appearance.” 
2 L 2 
