Just in time for Halloween, The W.D. Jordan Rare Books & Special Collections Library is hosting an exhibit on the fascinating history of arsenic in 19th-century book production and its impact on readers and collectors. The event will feature brief opening remarks and the opportunity to see some of the books firsthand and learn why the toxic mineral was used over 200 years ago.

Who: Curator Kim Bell, Coordinator of the Douglas Library is available to speak to media about the significance of arsenic in 19th-century book production, and what it means for today’s collectors.

What: Exhibit, hosted by the W.D. Jordan Rare Books & Special Collections Library

When: October 30, 10:30-11:30am

Where:  W.D. Jordan Rare Books & Special Collections Library, located on the second floor of Douglas Library

Why: Learn about the unique historical trade of bookbinding and techniques and practices from the past

About arsenic and bookbinding

• Some books in the 19th century were bound and covered with a green pigment which contained arsenic.
• The chemical made the books inexpensive to produce and created a shade of green that was popular at the time.
• While it's unlikely that simply handling these books today would cause significant harm, acute symptoms of arsenic exposure can include gastrointestinal symptoms. Long-term effects can lead to lesions and cancer.

Please RSVP to Julie Brown to confirm attendance.

Julie Brown
Manager, Media Relations
brown.julie@queensu.ca