Book Display: Poisonous Books

Devon & Exeter Institution, 7 Cathedral Cl, Exeter, EX1 1EZ

Tel: 01392 274727

Collection of old historic books

About

In 1775, Swedish chemist Karl Scheele developed an emerald green pigment which became known as 'Scheele's Green'. In the nineteenth century, paint manufacturers aimed to improve on this pigment, and 'Paris Green' was invented. By the middle of the century, emerald green was the height of fashion, and these pigments were used in a great number of manufactured items, including wallpaper, clothing, children's toys, ornaments, and even confectionery. The problem was that this pigment contained arsenic.

The reason that this is relevant for the DEI, and for historic libraries more generally, is that arsenic was also used in book production, to create emerald green cloth and paper. Through this book display, we explore the dark secret of this vibrant colour, and its use in our book collections.

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Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Opening Times

01/09/2026 - 31/10/2026 (1 Sept 2026 - 31 Oct 2026)

* Times vary

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