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From: "Mrs Julie Goucher" <>
Subject: Re: [OCCUPATIONS] DRUGGIST
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2000 14:37:45 -0000


Hi

> I have just found that my ggf, who died at age 41 in 1890 of "Chloroform
> narcosis- heart failure" was a druggist. Does any one know if this might
> have been an occupational hazard for druggists of that era?
>
To inhale the vapours of any substance is a hazzard to Pharmacists and
Chemists even now. He might have absorbed Chloroform through his skin as
well as inhaling it, maybe he spilt some.

I once spilt a liquid that was given to elderly patients to help them sleep,
I cleaned the mess up, (no gloves or mask) and in the process managed to
inhale enough of the vapours and absorb enough to make me very ill, infact I
slept for the next 17 hours, and I was only clearing up.

Pharmacy's are reasonably well ventilated now, covered by Health and Safety
etc, but in the 19th C this was not possible.

> I first assumed the death might have been from an operation, but now
> wonder if it might have been due to exposure to chloroform at the
> pharmacy.
>
It would be worth while checking with the Royal Pharmacetical Society
Library in London. They have the registration details of a Members since
1841. Let me know if you need the address.

Regards
Julie Goucher

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