‘The “Nautical Magazine” leads off with a bold and original article,
the second of a series, on the somewhat startling subject of “The
Commercial Value of Human Life,” in which it states that human life has
its commercial value, and that “those who bring forward its sacredness
as a plea for protective legislation of any and every kind are assuming
not only a false position, but a position that is likely to work a
serious injury upon the country at large.” An elaborate discussion of
“The Plimsoll Protest,” and a description of the “Inman Line” of
steamers, with the usual technical matter, make up an unusually
interesting number.’
What can this mean? Does it point to something still more brutal than
the ‘carnivorous teeth’ theory? [67]
Submitted, with much respect, to Mr. Ruskin, for the Notes and
Correspondence in ‘Fors’—if deemed admissible.
J. M. 4th September, 1875.
A peculiarly sad instance of death from lead-poisoning was investigated
this week before Dr. Hardwicke, at an inquest held in London. The
deceased, Mary Ann Wilson, only three weeks ago went to work at a
white-lead factory. After being there two or three days she felt the
effects of lead-poisoning, which turned her lips blue. Subsequently the
neighbours found her lying on the floor in convulsions, and in a dying
state; and the next day she died from congestion of the brain, and
disease of the chest organs, consequent on the evil effects of her
employment. The coroner recommended that persons who follow this
employment should drink diluted sulphuric acid, to counteract the
action of the poison.—Birmingham Daily Post, Sept. 2, 1875.