These were sold under various Dr. Somebody’s brands.

Even in the 1800’s, reputable doctors knew arsenic was highly toxic, and they tried to warn people away from these products. But for a time, the pallor and waxy, death-like skin arising from arsenic poisoning was a beauty ideal.

At least dozens of deaths were attributed to the use of arsenic wafers as a beauty aid, and the true number might be much greater than anyone knows.

They were often advertised as being safe, as seen on this box.

dgZ6eMqZTJLQy90.jpg

  • velma@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    8 days ago

    More evidence that outlawing abortion doesn’t reduce the number of abortions - it just makes women more unsafe when seeking abortions.

    • verity_kindle@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      8 days ago

      Well, abortionists cannot be trusted to keep clean clinics, there’s no incentive when they’re competing for customers against the abortion pill. They’ve always put revenue first, just like the “Dr. Simms” manufacturer.

      • GalacticGrapefruit@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        7 days ago

        I think you’re on the wrong internet. This is the one that prefers evidence-based treatment over religious fiction. You’re looking for a different reality, kid.

      • I Cast Fist@programming.dev
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        7 days ago

        abortionists cannot be trusted to keep clean clinics, there’s no incentive when they’re competing for customers against the abortion pill

        things that can only be true in USA, where health secretaries and medics will actively work against vaccines because they stand in the way of profit.