The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1902-03-14
VIC T.U. COLUMN
CONDUCTED BY MRS. II. l.. HOBBS.
Arsenic in Beer.
By I ID CRoTuERs. VI. D.

A remarkable revelation OF thu
most serious injuries occurring inl
beer drinkers has come to light IN
the neighborhood Of Ma chester
England, in the past two years A.
far back as 1884 attention was called
to the numerous cases OF alcoi olIcl
paralysis IN this vicinity A fr~
years after a noted expert described
similar cases which seemed 10 be-
very numerous in that section.
From that time on these pecuilafl
cases have increased, until last year
Ian examination was made and III
was found that in tire neighhorhood
|of Manchester and the mill districts
about, alcoholic paralysis was all
most an epidemic. Three hundred
eases were noticed at Manchester,
and nearly 5 per cent. Of all the
cases seen in the hospitals in this
region, and extending to Liverpool.
and even to Lopdon, showed this
kind Of palsy. A careful inquiry
revealed the fact that nearly all
these victims were beer drinkers.
An analysis Of the beer showed the
presence Of arsenic in sufficient
quantity 10 account for this peculiar
Ipalsy. Experts visited breweries
and obtained specimens OF beer,
finding arsenic in nearly every In
stance,
More careful examin ltion showed
that sulphuric acid entered into the
manufacture of glucose used in the
beer. This acid was made from
iron pyrites, and contained quaint
ties of arsenic. Ii was used on ac-
count OF its cheapness. and in large
quantities by many Of the leading
brewers. The symptoms following
corresponded to arsenic poisoning,
and many Of the cases died. 9th
ers suffered from palsies and dis
eases Of the nervous system which
practically incapacitated them for
| all work in the future. 1t was
found that large number OF brew
sis used in their beer this cheap
glucose containing arsenic, and
while the quantity was very small,
the accumulated effect in persons
who drank large quantities Of beer
was apparent in very serious and
obscure diseases OF the nerves OF
motion. Over 500 cases have been
noted, and this probably does not
include more than small par! OF
1.-The actual numbers. Parliament
appointed royal commission on
arsenical poisoning in beer, and ev-
ldence is now being taken. OF
course, the brewers were ignorant OF
lthe injury which followed from their
beer, and were anxious to assist all
III )rts to find out the cause ana to
remove it. Other sections Of Eng
and have becoms alarmed, and a
Very general inquiry is being made
IS to the cause Of this new disease
wherever it il noticed 1t is found
That alcohol is responsible for a
great many of these palsies.
i The forms Of paralysis, from beth
Ialcohol and beer, called neurites,
are the same, and are imflamma-
ltions Of the nerves Of the extremi-
tiles. A great deal OF interest has
|been created ia England, and it is
confidently asserted that the disease
lis due largely to beer poisoned with
arsenic, alcohol, and mineral waters
where carbonic acid is used to make
them effervescing. This disease il
we'll known in this country, but il
! mot very common. Whether the
]. a.|brewers use glucose prepared from
! snlphuric acid containing arsenic il
.Inot known, but neurite., or palsie:
|of the extremities, among beer and
lalcohol drinkers, can he found ir
many sections.
The common term describing
these cases, is rheumatism" Per
sons who have used beer and spirits
Ito excess call these nerve defects
rheumatic" 1t is probable tha
before these nerve diseases appeared
the disorders Of the brain occu
which attract attention, and the 9th
Ter symptoms are supposed to fol
low. In reality the breaking dowr
Iof the brain is the result Of the ob
lscure Inflammation Of the nerve
rather than otherwise. The stiff
ness Of the lower extremities ant
difficulty Of walking noticed amonI
|inebriates is no doubt very com
mon symptom Of this distinct affec
which may not go on to ex
: Itreme stages.