Arsenic Act 1851

Arsenic Act 1851

The Arsenic Act 1851 was a piece of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom to regulate the sale of arsenic, a highly toxic substance. The Act was passed in response to widespread public concern about the unregulated sale of arsenic, which was frequently used in the commission of murder and suicide.

Background[edit | edit source]

In the mid-19th century, arsenic was commonly used in a variety of applications, including as a pigment in paint and wallpaper, a preservative in taxidermy, and a pesticide. However, its easy availability and lethal properties made it a popular choice for those wishing to commit murder or suicide. The Arsenic Act 1851 was introduced to address this issue by regulating the sale of arsenic.

Provisions[edit | edit source]

The Arsenic Act 1851 made it illegal to sell arsenic to any person unknown to the seller, unless the sale was made in the presence of a witness known to both parties. The Act also required that all sales of arsenic be recorded in a register, with the purchaser's name, address, and the purpose for which the arsenic was to be used. The Act further stipulated that arsenic could only be sold in a package clearly marked with the word "poison" and the name and address of the seller.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The Arsenic Act 1851 had a significant impact on the sale and use of arsenic in the United Kingdom. The Act's provisions made it more difficult for individuals to obtain arsenic for nefarious purposes, and the number of arsenic-related deaths decreased significantly in the years following its enactment. However, the Act was not without its critics, who argued that it was overly restrictive and hindered legitimate uses of arsenic.