This article analyzes arsenic's impact on culture, health, and crime in late 19th century Latin America, suggesting its dual nature shaped societal narratives.
Key Points
This article examines the role of arsenic in everyday life and cultural imaginations in late 19th century Latin America.
Analyzed materials from Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Examined the dual nature of arsenic as both a remedy and poison in various contexts.
Explored social narratives shaped by arsenic's use in cosmetics, medicine, and criminal acts.
Arsenic served as a versatile agent in health and beauty, yet its misuse contributed to undetectable crimes.
Its presence in various forms allowed it to influence societal perceptions of purity related to gender, race, and class.
The duality of arsenic supported narratives of melodrama and criminality at the turn of the century.