The apply in query refers back to the alleged consumption of gold options, significantly colloidal gold, by a notable historic determine in search of to protect youth and sweetness. This particular occasion entails Diane de Poitiers, a outstanding 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 realize desired bodily attributes. The historic context is essential, because it reveals prevalent misconceptions concerning the security and efficacy of assorted compounds, in addition to the restricted understanding of toxicology on the time. This additionally raises questions concerning the social pressures confronted by ladies of standing to take care of their look, particularly inside royal courts.