What Is The History Of Arsenic Oxychloride Use And Discovery?

Arsenic oxychloride, also known as "Fowler's solution," is a toxic chemical compound that has been used for medicinal purposes in the past. Its discovery dates back to the 1700s when Thomas Fowler, an English physician, observed that a solution of arsenic could cure certain illnesses.

Fowler began experimenting with various compounds containing arsenic, and eventually discovered that a solution of arsenic oxychloride was particularly effective in treating a variety of conditions, including fevers, skin diseases, and even cancer.

The use of arsenic oxychloride became popular in the 19th century, and it was widely prescribed by doctors as a tonic and general cure-all. However, its toxicity soon became apparent, as patients began to develop serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death.

Despite its dangers, arsenic oxychloride continued to be used in medicine until the early 20th century, when safer alternatives were developed. Today, it is no longer used in mainstream medicine, but it still finds some niche applications in certain industries, such as the production of glass and pesticides.