from
that to which lead-workers are liable ; which latter is
non-inflammatory; whereas the copper colic is attended with
considerable fever.
Abundant
evidence is forthcoming that the external wearing of a copper plate
over the abdomen has proved singularly protective against Asiatic
cholera during an epidemic of that formidable disease, which kills so
rapidly. " For the choleraic cramps, which are most severe," wrote Mr.
Proctor, who treated a large number of cases, in the year 1866, and
with exceptional success, " copper given internally as one of its
soluble salts, and applied externally, was unquestionably the best
remedy " ; " and I may say for the vomiting also."
In cases which have occurred of being poisoned by copper, jaundice has been a characteristic symptom.
The
ancient symbol adopted by Alchemists of old for designating the metal
Copper, was a hieroglyphic character supposed to represent the
looking-glass of Venus.
" The metal doth most easily contract a rust, which is called aerugo " ; " of a green colour."
A repetition of some few other particulars respecting metallic Copper, as told about among our Animal Simples (with
which, indeed, it is scarcely in place), may be fairly allowed here.
Thus, " There is abundant evidence of the fact that during the
prevalence of cholera-epidemics the workers in copper have remained
singularly exempt from attacks ; whilst others who have worn a plate of
Copper next the skin over the abdomen have likewise escaped free. In
1884, Dr. de Noel Walker found during an epidemic of cholera which was
ravaging Tuscany, that among one hundred and fifty souls at the
copper-smelting furnaces in Prato, not
