The Charlotte Democrat

Why People go Crazy.

At the instance of the New Jersey State Board of Health a leading physician of Newark has been making an investigation into the causes of disease among hatters, the result of which is to be submitted to the Legislature, which meets in Trenton in January. He finds that much injury to health is caused by the use of poisonous stuff used in hatting, which is composed of nitric acid and quicksilver, and because of its resemblance in color to the vegetable of that name is called in the trade carrot. It is stated that the poison affects the brain, driving men almost to idiocy, and that it wastes the muscles, enters the pores of the skin, and causes injurious eruptions. Scientists have long been endeavoring to find a substitute for carrot, but thus far without avail. This same poison also affects those who wear the hats. This is a new theory for increasing insanity, noticeable in many cities.