Antimony

Also known as Powder of Algaroth or Earl of Warwick's Powder and La Poudre de Chartres
Antimony is generally found within an alloy of Arsenic and Silver, and its extraction from the Arsenic presents a challenge even to the Alchemist. However, once extracted it is available as a very soft white powder and a waxy colourless salt with a pungent acrid smell known as Butter of Antimony.

Consumption

As most malevolent metals, Antimony is generally ingested. It's strong taste of metal can be cleverly disguised by a skilled poisoner within strong liquor and food. However, it will remain visible in water. For those wishing to remain discrete, Antimony is best delivered in small doses of laced alcohol over an extended period. The characteristic symptoms of Antimony poisoning is a burning sensation in throat, difficulty swallowing, violent stomach pains, fainting, depression, excessive perspiration, vertigo and paroxysmes.

Medicinal Purposes

Antimony remains popular amongst Apothocaries for the expulsion of bad humours by purging. It is also used to treat dropsy, syphilis and smallpox.

Drug Enhancement

Butter of Antimony is used to enhance the louche effect of Absinthe.

Antidote

There is no known antidote to Antimony poisoning.

See Also:

• Mercury
• List of Poisons