I'm looking for help with a Victorian detective.
I need to know where a victorian scientist looking to improvise a quick experiment might find zinc powder and either nitric or sulphuric acid.
By the period of my story the detection of arsenic can be done with substantial accuracy in a lab using the marsh test. However my scientist is not in her lab and she suspects murder where the doctor is giving another cause of death. If she can confirm the presence of arsenic using a 'quick 'n' dirty' method she can do a more accurate analysis at a later date. But she's lacking her basic supplies. No doubt she could get these substances from a pharmacist but I'm wondering if they might be found in a sizeable household? For example as cleaning products or paint base? I know zinc has been used to make white paint and cosmetics. Any ideas?
I need to know where a victorian scientist looking to improvise a quick experiment might find zinc powder and either nitric or sulphuric acid.
By the period of my story the detection of arsenic can be done with substantial accuracy in a lab using the marsh test. However my scientist is not in her lab and she suspects murder where the doctor is giving another cause of death. If she can confirm the presence of arsenic using a 'quick 'n' dirty' method she can do a more accurate analysis at a later date. But she's lacking her basic supplies. No doubt she could get these substances from a pharmacist but I'm wondering if they might be found in a sizeable household? For example as cleaning products or paint base? I know zinc has been used to make white paint and cosmetics. Any ideas?