Lead White

Mercury and Lead are a dirty duo in Mendeleev’s Closet. They present themselves well. Liquid mercury is mesmerizing and Mercury the Roman God was a charismatic charmer.

Lead lacks deity status but must have seemed like a gift from God. It is very useful, although very toxic if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is soft and malleable and has a low melting temperature. Attributes valued since antiquity.

Ideal for use in Roman plumbing or to sweeten wine. Lead solder, the book binding of stained glass stories. Lead-acid batteries and a super shield from radiation.

Lead is a neurotoxin. It mimics essential elements like calcium, zinc and iron, creating havoc with your physiology and cognitive acuity. Painter’s Madness is suspected of influencing artists like Michelangelo, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Goya. Houses painted prior to 1960 probably contained lead.

Lead in beauty products targeted the privileged more directly and women in particular. The vanity of an alabaster complexion achieved by applying a layer of lead carbonate powder and vinegar. Famously used by Queen Elizabeth 1 to conceal smallpox scars. Queen of England and Ireland from 1558-1603.

Toxic cosmetics were used before and long after the Elizabethan Era. Classic Japanese Geisha beauty accepted the same risks. Health Canada has a long list of ingredients which are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics.

Tetraethyl lead, the anti knock ingredient in gasoline poisoned the world for decades. TEL showed that we live in a bubble. Emperors and Oligarchs still need to breathe air.