The apply in query refers back to the alleged consumption of gold options, notably colloidal gold, by a notable historic determine searching for to protect youth and sweetness. This particular occasion entails Diane de Poitiers, a distinguished French noblewoman of the Sixteenth century. There’s historic hypothesis that she ingested an answer containing gold, pushed by a perception in its rejuvenating properties.
The significance of understanding this alleged apply lies in its reflection of historic beliefs surrounding alchemy, medication, and sweetness requirements. It highlights the perceived advantages of sure substances and the lengths to which people went to attain desired bodily attributes. The historic context is essential, because it reveals prevalent misconceptions in regards to the security and efficacy of varied compounds, in addition to the restricted understanding of toxicology on the time. This additionally raises questions in regards to the social pressures confronted by ladies of standing to keep up their look, particularly inside royal courts.