Page:Science ofDress115.png

CHAP. VIII.] Many of these aniline dyes, as they are called, are derived from benzol and other products of coal tar, from which are obtained reds, blues, and magentas of great beauty, some of which, when brought into contact with the skin by means of the perspiration, act as powerful irritants, more in some instances than others. The dye is soluble in the perspiration, and hence it becomes absorbed into the skin. Some of the magenta dyes also contain arsenic, that compound being used in their preparation. It sometimes happens that the colour and pattern of the sock is transferred to the skin, and is represented by lines and figures of inflammation. This inflammation is sometimes propagated to different parts of the body in the same individual, and is often of a very severe and intense character; and still greater annoyance often results by reason of its recurrence after the skin has apparently recovered."

A typical case was mentioned in the correspondence on the subject of the injurious effects of aniline dyes published in the Times during August, 1884. After wearing red silk stockings a lady found the colour transferred to the skin of the parts covered by them, her feet became very inflamed, and on consultation the physician informed her that her trouble was the result of poisoning from the dye of her stockings.

Among cases of poisoning from gloves, socks, shoe-linings, &c., Mr. Carr mentions that of a young woman whose business was to cut out dyed goods. An interesting case is recorded by Dr. Myrtle, of