Arsenic And Ammonia. Remarkable Contrast In The Effect Of Two Poisons On The Complexion

The slow absorption of many , sons chauges iu some more or less modifled form the complexión, but arsenic and ammonia show their effect about as quickly as any. The popular belief that arsenic clears the coinplexioH has lead many silly women to kill themselves with it in small, continued doses. It produces a waxy, ivory-like appearance of the skin during a certain stage of the poisouing, but its terrible after effects have become too veli known to make it of common use as a cosmetic. The effects of ammonia upon the complexion are directly opposite to that of arsenic. The first symptom of ammonia poisoning which appears among those who work in ammonia f actories is a discoloration of the skin of the nose and forehead. ThiB gradually extends over the face until the complexiou has a staineil, blotched and unsightly appearance. With people who take ammonia into their systems in smaller doses, as with their water or fóod, these striking symptoms do not appear so soon. Tne only effect of the poison that is visible for a time is a general unwholesomeness and sallowness of the complexion. Mauy people are slowly absorbing ammoiiia poison without knowing it. The use of ammonia in the manufactures has greatly increased of late, and it is unquestionably used as an adulterant in certain f ood preparations'Official analysis has plainly shown its use even in such cheap articles of every day consumption as baking powders. The continued absorption of ammonia in even minute quantities as an adulterant in f ood is injurious not merely from its effect upon the complexion, but because it destroys the coating of the stomach and causes dyspepsia and kindred evils. Professor Long, of Chicago, is authority for the statement that, if to fif ty million parts of water there is one part of ammonia, the water is dangerous. John H. Allen, of Cooperstown, N. Y., has been engaged as choirmaster and organist of St. Andrew's church. He is in the city and begins his services next Sunday.