Venetian ceruse

Venetian Ceruse

Venetian Ceruse, also known as Spiritus Mundi or White Lead, is a cosmetic product historically used for skin whitening. Its pronunciation is /vɪˈniːʃən sɪˈruːz/. The term originates from the Italian city of Venice, known for its production, and the Latin word "cerussa" meaning "white lead".

History

Venetian Ceruse was widely used during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly among European nobility and the upper classes. It was popularized by Queen Elizabeth I of England, who used it to achieve a fashionably pale complexion.

Composition

The primary ingredient of Venetian Ceruse is Lead(II) Carbonate, a white crystalline substance. It was created by exposing lead to vinegar fumes and then grinding the resulting product into a fine powder.

Health Effects

Despite its popularity, Venetian Ceruse was highly toxic due to its lead content. Prolonged use could lead to Lead Poisoning, causing a range of health problems including skin damage, hair loss, and even death.

Related Terms

• Cosmetics
• Lead Poisoning
• Queen Elizabeth I
• Lead(II) Carbonate
• Spiritus Mundi
• White Lead

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Venetian ceruse
• Wikipedia's article - Venetian ceruse

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