I was quite amazed to discover, a few days ago, while reading an author of the so-called "Conte cruel" (cruel story) type of literature (Maurice Level), that vitriol (acid) attacks were quite common in 19th century Europe.
Some may recall how acid attacks are back, eg in London they are now used by gangs and for petty theft. In the 19th century, though, vitriol was used to attack in cases of revenge, and primarily out of envy or punishment for sexual infidelity or refusal to one's advances.
Here is a drawing from a french edition of the era:
(a husband using vitriol)
Vitriol became a weapon as a result of mass production; first in Britain (Scotland and other parts). It was possible by the early 19th century to mass produce it by burning sulfur with nitric calium (the reaction leads to sulfur trioxide, which reacts with the water in the vapors, producing the sulfuric acid, ie vitriol (H2SO4).
Sulfuric acid was, and still is, very important in industry, and also is available in a number of products sold freely; mostly cleaning solutions and pesticides.
Vitriol was also important for alchemists. In fact they even used its name to create a latin phrase: "Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem" (visit the interior of the Earth (and) purified you will find the philosophical stone).
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I find it very interesting - and also hugely scary - that vitriol is still used in attacks. In third world countries it is used much like it was in 19th century Europe: as means of revenge by a lover.
The effects are absolutely devastating. The victim is severely disfigured, even after a brief attack. The body is burned through, and can melt to the bone. In India, in an infamous case, vitriol was used to burn the eyes of "lowest caste" people.
Despite the absolute horror of use of vitriol in reality, in literature i think it is a very potent topic. I may try it. Very conte cruel...
-you can discuss how you view this kind of attack, in general, or other things tied to the op - eg use of this in art. I am only turning the thread to RD cause it isn't meant to include joking
Some may recall how acid attacks are back, eg in London they are now used by gangs and for petty theft. In the 19th century, though, vitriol was used to attack in cases of revenge, and primarily out of envy or punishment for sexual infidelity or refusal to one's advances.
Here is a drawing from a french edition of the era:
(a husband using vitriol)
Vitriol became a weapon as a result of mass production; first in Britain (Scotland and other parts). It was possible by the early 19th century to mass produce it by burning sulfur with nitric calium (the reaction leads to sulfur trioxide, which reacts with the water in the vapors, producing the sulfuric acid, ie vitriol (H2SO4).
Sulfuric acid was, and still is, very important in industry, and also is available in a number of products sold freely; mostly cleaning solutions and pesticides.
Vitriol was also important for alchemists. In fact they even used its name to create a latin phrase: "Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem" (visit the interior of the Earth (and) purified you will find the philosophical stone).
*
I find it very interesting - and also hugely scary - that vitriol is still used in attacks. In third world countries it is used much like it was in 19th century Europe: as means of revenge by a lover.
The effects are absolutely devastating. The victim is severely disfigured, even after a brief attack. The body is burned through, and can melt to the bone. In India, in an infamous case, vitriol was used to burn the eyes of "lowest caste" people.
Despite the absolute horror of use of vitriol in reality, in literature i think it is a very potent topic. I may try it. Very conte cruel...
-you can discuss how you view this kind of attack, in general, or other things tied to the op - eg use of this in art. I am only turning the thread to RD cause it isn't meant to include joking
