Marsh Test Apparatus, 1867

Marsh Test Apparatus, Steel engraving, 1867. The Marsh test is a method for the detection of minute amounts of arsenic in foods (the residue of fruit spray) or in stomach contents. The sample is placed in a flask with arsenic-free zinc and sulfuric acid. Arsine gas (also hydrogen) forms and is led through a drying tube to a hard glass tube in which it is heated. The arsenic is deposited as a mirror just beyond the heated area and on any cold surface held in the burning gas emanating from the jet. Antimony gives a similar test, but the deposit is insoluble in sodium hypochlorite, whereas arsenic will dissolve. The test was named for its inventor, the English chemist James Marsh

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Acid Amount Antimony Arsenic Deposited Detection Diagram Drying Enhance Flask Forensic Heated Hydrogen Insoluble Method Poison Poisoning Sodium Sulfuric Toxicology Trace Zinc

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > PHR