Was Jane Austen poisoned?

In the 19th Century arsenic was everywhere – from candles and wallpaper to fabrics and sweets.  It is a tasteless, odorless white powder, often mistaken for baking powder.

Jane Austen was only 41 when she died in 1817.  A few months before her death she described her weeks of illness.  Her symptoms sounded very much like arsenic poisoning.  Years later, when a lock of her hair was tested for arsenic, the test proved positive.

Did she take the arsenic by mistake?  Did a doctor prescribe it for rheumatism?  Did someone offended by her sharp tongue decide to murder her?  Read more…..

DailyMail

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