Was Napoleon’s Death by Design?

Did Green Wallpaper Cause Napoleon’s Death?

Let’s dive into the fascinating topic of Napoleon’s death and the potential role arsenic may have played. I’ll break this down into key sections to give you the information and let you make up your own mind.

The Mystery Surrounding Napoleon’s Death

Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile on the island of Saint Helena in 1821 at the age of 51. While the official cause of death was recorded as stomach cancer, suspicions of foul play have persisted for centuries.

The Arsenic Theory

One of the most intriguing theories is that Napoleon was poisoned with arsenic. This idea gained traction due to several factors:

1. Napoleon’s own words: In his will, written just weeks before his death, Napoleon claimed he was being “murdered by the English oligarchy and its assassin.”
2. The preservation of his body: When Napoleon’s remains were exhumed in 1840, his body was found to be remarkably well-preserved. Arsenic is known to have preservative properties, which could explain this phenomenon.
3. High arsenic levels in hair samples: Analysis of Napoleon’s hair from various points in his life revealed arsenic levels approximately 100 times higher than normal.

The Green Wallpaper Connection

An intriguing twist to the arsenic theory involves the wallpaper in Napoleon’s residence on Saint Helena, Longwood House. Here’s what we know:

1. Scheele’s Green: This vibrant green pigment, popular in the 19th century, contained copper arsenite.
2. Damp conditions: Longwood House was notoriously damp, which could have caused the release of arsenic vapors from the wallpaper.
3. Wallpaper analysis: A sample of wallpaper from Napoleon’s dining room at Longwood House was found to contain 0.12 grams of arsenic per square meter.

Alternative Explanations

While the arsenic theory is compelling, there are other factors to consider:

1. Widespread arsenic exposure: Arsenic was common in many 19th-century products, including medicines, cosmetics, and household items.
2. Medical treatments: Napoleon was given various toxic substances as part of his medical treatments, including antimony and mercury compounds.
3. Stomach cancer: The original autopsy reported stomach cancer, which was also the cause of death for Napoleon’s father.

The Current Consensus About Napoleon’s Death

Modern research suggests that Napoleon’s death was likely due to a combination of factors:

1. Chronic arsenic exposure: While arsenic levels were high, they were likely due to environmental factors rather than deliberate poisoning.
2. Medical misadventure: A 2004 study concluded that Napoleon’s death may have been the result of his various medical treatments interacting with his weakened state of health.
3. Underlying health issues: Stomach cancer, possibly exacerbated by other factors, remains a plausible cause of death.

The Bottom Line on Napoleon’s Death

1. Napoleon’s death remains a subject of historical debate and scientific investigation.
2. While arsenic poisoning may have contributed to his decline, it’s unlikely to have been the sole cause of death.
3. The green wallpaper in Longwood House could have been a source of arsenic exposure, but it was likely one of many in the 19th century.
4. Modern analysis suggests a combination of factors, including medical treatments and underlying health issues, led to Napoleon’s demise.

The mystery of Napoleon’s death continues to captivate historians and scientists alike, demonstrating the complex interplay between historical events, scientific advancements, and the limitations of retrospective analysis.