Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-02-20
i. Alum Potsonou,.

DIR. Halls Journal of Health, in a recent
issue, says:
"This question has caused good deal of
discussion. Alum is used by many bakers
to whiten their bread, enabling them TO use
an inferior -four. 1t is more extensively en-
ployed as a cheap substitute fer cream Of
tartar 10 the manufacture of baking pow
ders. 1t has not been considered immedi-
ately dangerous; although il continued it
induces dyspepsia and obstinate coustipa.
ton. But the fact that many cases of pois-
oning have occurred from baking powders
which contained alum, puts the question in
more serious aspect, aud prudent people
will exercise caution in the selection of
baking powders.
under what conditions, then, does this
Internationally used only for mechanical
or medicinal purposes-become poisonous?
They are certainly obscure, and at present
we can only surmise what they may be. We
suspect that the cause exists in the individu-
al poisoned; come peculiarly of the consti-
tuition producing morbid change in the se-
cretions Of the stomach, with which the
alum combines and forms an active poison;
or the secretions may be healthy but in un.
usual proportions, and that these less or
greater proportions, in combination with the
alum, constitute poison.
"For example, two parts of mercury and
two parts of chlorine form ealomel, which is
not poisonous; bnt change the proportions 10
one part of mercury and two paris Of
chlorine, aud we get corrosive sublimate,
which is deadly poison.
"Then, again, we know nothing OF the
causes OF constitutional peculiarities. Why
is it that one person can eat all kinds OF
green fruits and vegetables with lmpunity,
while the same course might cause another
i. 4 = Il a. l.
poison ivy and sumac without being in the
least affected; another is poisoned if he ap-
prosches to within ten feet OF them. Dat
of family residing 10 a malarIal district
some of the members 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 are actually poisonous 10 others.
This is especially true of some kinds OF fish.
There is no safety in takisg alum into the
stomach, "a it is shown TO be always injuri-
GUS, and often dangerous. Baking powders
properly compounded, and containing pure
cream of tartar instead of alum, are more
convenient than yesst; and bread and pastry
made with them are just as wholesome, and
far more pala,able. We are in entire SYM
patty with the manufacturers OF the Royal
Baking Powder-who commenced and are
vigorously conducting the war against the
use of alum 10 baking powders.
Before committing ourselves, however,
we made tests of sufficient number of
baking powders to satisfy ourselves that the
substitution Of alum for cream of tartar in
their composition has not been over esii-
mated, 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 wholesomeness, did it wholly
in the interest Of the public.
"We do not hesitate 10 say that the Royal
Baking Powder people deserve the gratitude
of the community whom they are endeavor-
ing to protect.
will not some prominent manufacturer
OF pure candies follow their exemple, and
expose the secrets of business that is doisg
untold mischief TO little chiidren?n