The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-05-10
Is ALUM POISONOUS?

DIR. Halls Journal Of Heath, in a
recent issue says:
"This question has caused a good
deal of discussion. Alum is used by
many bakers to whten their bread,
enabling them to use an inferior flour.
1t is more extensively employed as
cheap substitute for cream of tartar in
the manufacture of baking powders.
1t has not been considered Immediately
dangerous; although if continued it
induces dyspepsia and obstinate con-
stipation. But the fact that many
cases of poisoning have occurred from
baking powders which contained alum
puts the question in more serious as
pect, and prudent people will exercise
caution in the selection of baking pow
| ders.n
"Under what conditions, then, does
| this substance-formerlyu 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 sus-
pect that the cause exists in the indi-
vidual poisoned; some popularity of
| the constitution producing a morbid
change in the secretions of the stom-
ach, with which the alum combines
and forms an active poison; or the Sc
cretions 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 Gallo
mel, which is not poisonous; but
change the proportions to one part of
mercury and one part of chlorine, and
we get corrosive sublimate, which is
deadly poison"
"Then, again, we know nothing of
tile causes of constitutional peculiari-
ties. Why is it that one person can
eat all kinds of green fruits and vege-
tables with impunity, while the same
course might cost another individual
his life: One person can handle poi
son ivy and sumuc without being in
the least affected another is poisoned
if he approaches to within ten feet of
them. Out of a family residing in a
malaria district, some of the iS,-iu q 5
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
to others. This is especially true OF
some kinds of fish. There is no safety
in taking alum into the stomach, as
it is shown to be always injurious, and
often dangerous. Baking powders
PROPERLY compounded, and containing
pure cream of tartar instead of alum,
are more convenient than yeast; and
bread and pastry made with them are
Just as wholesome, and far more pal
atable. We are in entire sympathy
with the manufacturers of the Royal
Baking Powder-who commenced and
are vigorously conducting the wal
against the use of alum in baking
powders.
Before committing ourselves, how
ever, we made tests of sufficient
number of baking powders to satisfy
ourselves that the substitution OF
alum for cream of tartar in their com
position has not been everestimated,
while careful examination of the
Royal Baking Powder confirms our
belief that DR.. Mott, the Government
Chemist, when he singled out and
commended this powder for its whole
someness, did it wholly in the interest,
of the public.
1--WE do not hesitate to say that the
Royal Baking Powder people deserve
the gratitude of the community whom
they are endeavoring to protect.
"Will not some prominent manu-
facturer of pure Candies follow theil
example, and expose the secrets of q
business that is doing untold mischief
TO little children"