Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-02-19
Shall We Kill Ourselves ?
IS ALUM POISONOUS?

ITS Use IN BAKING POWDERS CONDENSED BY
DIR. HALLS JOURNAL OF HEALTH.
DIR. Halls Journal Of Heaith in recent
issue, saws:
This question has caused good deal of
discussion. Alum is used by many bakers
70 whiten their bread enabling them to use
an inferior -four. 1t is more extensively en-
plo, ed as cheap substitute for cream of tar
tar in the manufacture of baking powders.
1t has not been considered Immediately dam
gerous; although if continued it induces dys-
pepsia and obstinate constipation. But the
fact that many cases of poisoning have &C.
Cured from baking powders which contained
alum, puts the question in more serious
aspect, and prudent people will exercise eau
ton in the selection OF baking powders.
Under what conditions, then, does this
ubstance-formcrly used only for mechani-
cal or medicinal purposes-b acome poison
Gus: They are certainly obscure, and at
present we can only surmlse what they may
be. We suspect that the cause exists in the
individual poisoned; some peculiarly of the
constitution producing a morbid change in
the secretions of the stomach. with which
the alum combines and forms an active poi
son or the secretions may be healthy but in
unusual proportions. and that these less or
greater proportions, in combination with the
alum. constitute poison.
Fer example, two parts of mercury and
two parts Of chlorine form calomel, which is
not poisonous; but change the proportions to
one part Of mercury and two parts of chlo-
rine. and we get corrosive sublimate, which
is deadly poison.
'Then, again, we know nothing Of the
causes Of constitutional peculiarite.. Why is
"a H. I.,~I. Il
fruits and vegetables with impunity. while
the same course might cost another individ-
ual his life? One person can handle poison
ivy and sumac without being in the least af
fected: another is poisoned if he approaches
to within ten feet of them. Out of family
residing in a malarial district, some OF its
members will suffer half the year with fever
and ague, while the others will enjoy excel
lent health during the entire year. Foods
that are wholesome to some persons are act
ually poisonous to others. This is especially
true Of some kinds Of fish. There is no safe
| ty in taking alum into the stomach. as it is
shown to be always injurious, and often dang
erous. Baking powders properly compound
ed, and containing pure cream Of tartar in
stead of alum, are more convenient than yeast I:
and bread and pastry made with them are
just Is wholesome. and far more palatable.
/ we are III eHtife symPAthS WIN tHc HhHu-
facturers of the Royal Baking Powder-who
commenced and are vigorously conducting
the war against the use of alum in baking
powder.
Before committing ourselves, however. we
made tests of a sufficient number Of baking
powders to satisfy ourselves that the substitu-
ton of alum for cream of tartar in their COM
position has not been over-estimated, while a
careful examination of the Royal Baking
Powder confirms our belief that DIR. Mott. the
Government Chemist, when he singled out
and commended this powder for its whole
someone's. did it wholly in the interest Of the
public.
ave do not hesitate to say that the Royal
Baking Powder people deserve the gratitude
Of the community whom they are endeavoring
to protect.
Twill not some prominent manufacturer OF
pure Candies follow their example, and ex-
pose the secrets of u business that is doing
untold mischief to little children.