New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-11-17
DEADLY DANGERS.
Is ALUM POISONOUS7

Is ALUM POISONOIS2
ITS USE N BAKING POWDERS CONDEMNED BY HIGH
MEDICAL AUTHORITIES.
In the able paper read before the members
Of the Nev-York Academy of Science. Monday evening
last 10y Leeds of the NcwJcrscy State Board
Of Health ON the aduterahon OF human food.
he referred form of aducrItOn pract.s d IN the
manufacture of baking powders, where alum is subst
tutod for cream of arta of Its mparatye
eheaIncss.
As this subject Is &c which other scientific men
have recently given considerable attention. and being
one Of public interest reproduce the following from
a recent issue o. DR.. Hairs Journal Of Heath
This question has caused good deal OF discussion.
Alum used by many bakers to whiten their bread en-
Aiding them To use an inferior -four. II is extern
svely employed cheap substitute for cream OF tar
tar the manufacture of baking powders. II has not
beeu considered immediately dangerous; although If
continued induces dyspepsia and obstinate oOnspa-
ton But the fact that many cases of poisoning have
occurred from baking powders when contained aum
puts the question IN more serious aspect and pru-
dent people Will exercise caution III the selection of ba
ing powders.
Under what conditions then does this substance
formerly used only for mechanical medicinal pur-
poses-become poisonous They are certainly obscure.
and al present only sumise what they may be.
We suspect that the exists the individual pot
sOned PECULIARLY Of the constitution producing
morbid change the secretions of the stomach. with
which the dlun Combines anu iotll- III poison
be healthy hut IN unusual proper
tons. and that these less greater proportions, in
combination with the alum constitute poison.
For example two parts of mercury and two parts Of
chlcriue form calOme which is not poisonous but
change the proportions TO part of mercury and two
parts OF chlorine aud We get corrosive sublmate which
is a deadly poison.
Then, again, know nothing Of the causes OF con-
stiutona peculiarities Why is II that
eat all kinds OF fruits and vegetables with mpun
Ity, while the might cost another individual
his ici One person can handle poison ivy aud sumac
without being the least affected another is poisoned
II he approaches TO within ten feet of them Ont OF
family residing In maaral district OF it's mem
bers Will suffer half the year with fever and ague, while
the others Will enjoy excellent health during the entire
year. Foods that are wholesome TO some persons
actually poisonous 10 Others. This especially true Of
kinds Of fish. There Is no safety III taking alum
into tie stomach is shown 10 he always injurious
aud often dangerous. Baking powders properly COM
pounded and containing pure cream Of tartar instead OF
alum. are convenient than yeast and bread and
pastry made with them are just wholesome, aud far
palataDlc. We are IN entire sympathy with the
manufacturers OF the Royal Baking PowdeI-who com
menced and vigorously conducting the wan against
the Of alum IN baking powders.
" Before committing ourselves. however. we made
tofts a sufficient number OF baking powders to satisfy
that the substitution OF alum for cream Of tar
tar IN their competition has not been astmatcd
while careful examination OF the Roy al Baking Pow
der confirms our belief that DR. Mott. the Government
Chemist when lac singled out aud commended this pow
der for its whoesomcnes did wholly IN the interests
OF the public.
1--WE do not hesitate 10 say that the Royal Baking
Powder people deserve the gratitude OF the community
whom they endeayoring to protect.
"W,ll Tot some prominent manufacturer Of pure can
dies follow their example, and expose the
business that is doing untold mischief 10 little chill