Illustration
Arsenic Exposure
Known as the chief poison of the Victorian era, arsenic was found everywhere, such as in fabrics, wallpaper, and other everyday products. “Scheele’s Green”, made by mixing copper and oxygen with arsenic, was a popular colour choice of dye for its... More
Illustration
Bathtub Boiling
Gas-heated bathtubs became an easy alternative to pouring hot water into bathtubs. Due to poor regulation, these bathtubs were not only creating poisonous fumes, but were also scalding hot, boiling people alive.
Illustration
Easy Infection
Due to a lack of knowledge surrounding germs, hygiene practices were not reinforced amongst society. Even doctors and medical practitioners, who dealt with open wounds, neglected basic hygienic procedures, spreading blood and infections from one... More
Illustration
Lead Toys
Poisonous lead was used in many children’s toys, such as toy soldiers. The dangers were unbeknownst to the public, which consequently resulted in a startling amount of children’s deaths.
Illustration
Miasma Theory
This theory suggested that illnesses stemmed from polluted vapours emitted from decomposing matter.
Illustration
Milk and Poison
The misinformation surrounding boric acid and how it could “purify” milk became widespread despite it only being able to cover up the foul smell and flavour of expired milk. The misuse of boric acid in milk proved to be fatal in hundreds of... More
Illustration
Steps of Death
Stairs were too narrow, too steep, and featured uneven steps. People were prone to tripping down them due to their floor-sweeping attire, some falling to their deaths.
Illustration
Surgery Spectacle
Medical practices, such as surgeries, were often seen as a curiosity for the general public to observe in what were known as “operating theatres”. These theatres were also called “gateways of death”, as half of the patients would not survive.
Illustration
Toxic Beauty
Many beauty cosmetics contained toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, and radium. This lead to harrowing damage and lethal side effects to the body.
Illustration