Question

In investigating the possible cause for Napoleon's death, it is needed to determine the arsenic content in his hairs. Why an optical microscope would not work in this case? a.

Answer 1

1. The arsenic content of hair may be important consideration in postumus investigation suspected poisioning.Data are lacking, however, on the content in hair of apparently normal individuals, and, particularly of those who reside in an area where arsenicals are used as insecticides. Such data have been accumulated over a period of years and will be of interest from a medico-legal point of view.

2. Arsenic was detennined by the Gutzeit method' which was modified by the use of mercuric chloride sensitized paper in place of the mercuric bromide paper.

3.The optical microscope, often referred to as light microscope, is a type of microscope which uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples.

4. The arsenic becomes integral part of the hair which can not be seen over the light of optical microscope. The roots of aresnic is comined with the hair roots such that it can not lightened. Only by means of micro chemical methods only it can be found.