Emerald green Quote by Bill Bryson
““From the outset wallpaper was often colored with pigments that used large doses of arsenic, lead, and antimony, but after 1775 it was frequently soaked in an especially insidious compound called copper arsenite, which was invented by the great but wonderfully hapless Swedish chemist Karl Scheele.* The color was so popular that it became known as Scheele’s green. Later, with the addition of copper acetate, it was refined into an even richer pigment known as emerald green. This was used to color all kinds of things—playing cards, candles, clothing, curtain fabrics, and even some foods. But it was especially popular in wallpaper.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "A Short History of Nearly Everything", 2003
Describes the toxic history of green pigments, especially Scheele’s green, used widely despite health risks.
In simple terms: Green pigments were popular but poisonous.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of hidden dangers in everyday products.
Themes
science
history
health
industrialization
chemistry
Mood
informative
cautionary
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- painting
- interior design
- consumer goods
- historical research
Key Concepts
toxicology
material culture
industrial progress
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern products hide similar risks?
- How can we balance beauty and safety?
A Different Perspective
Health risks were often ignored for aesthetic appeal.
