Random Research Absurdity

[lukon_idein]

Okay, I came across a Latin reference to someone wearing armor (or possibly a shield) blackened with lead. And so I was wondering if this was a common practice and if such a treatment could be useful in strengthening the leather, since the author made of point of saying it was hard (well, 'not soft' actually, well... 'no softer than himself' - kind of cool phrasing, really...).

So of course I go to google, type in 'leather armor blackened' and, silly me, I get twenty zillion WOW hits and "Frodo's Orc Armor - Boiled Leather Armor Scales"! Sometimes I wonder what possessed me to study a topic that is so close to the realms of fantasy as well as being spelled exactly the same way as one of the commonest words in the English language!!! (I lead many brave men into battle clad in my lead-blackened armor where they hurl heavy leaden bullets at our foes with their mighty slings. Or something.)

Fortunately only one more hour till gathering involving beer commences. Yippee! Mighty hops will frolic with sun-drenched barley in a delightful dance of... okay, no more Latin for me. : P

Comments

[dentelle-noir.livejournal.com]

Oooh? Blackened with lead, hm? I bet that WOULD make the leather quite a bit stronger, not to mention slowly poisoning the person, but HEY no one knew that at the time. I'm going to have to remember that! You never know when that info will come in handy!

[lil-1337.livejournal.com]

The poisoning was my thought. Long term lead exposure makes you dumb among other things. Be interesting to see if there are superstitions/mythology that might point to signs of poisoning in the warriors. Hell, there might even be anecdotal evidence.

[lukon-idein.livejournal.com]

From what I've read, the most significant lead poisoning comes from ingesting lead or breathing in its fumes. And actually, according to Vitruvius, lead workers were known to be an unhealthy lot and he recommends water to be delivered through ceramic pipes since lead pipes are bad for water. Though it appears that his advice was rigorously followed.

But I don't think lead-blackened leather would be enough to harm someone significantly (unless they licked it a lot! yummy...), especially if it was only treated on the outside and was not in contact with the skin. And I've only found one, possibly two references, to this practice so far, and they have both been describing warriors from hundreds of years earlier, so it may have been a completely made-up poetic trope to indicate the "primitive" technology of the ancients.

BUT, the Romans did put a lot of lead-based compounds in their wine, food and medications, so it may be true that the whole ruling class was mad as hatters (and seriously infertile) due to lead exposure. Interesting.

Sorry, I'll stop rambling now! :)

[lil-1337.livejournal.com]

That's really interesting to know. It makes me wonder what people hundreds of years from now will wonder about us.

[(Anonymous)]

I found out the toe ring I've had on for the last 8 years is made primarily of lead.... perhaps that explains my shenanigans?

- Edrie

[lukon-idein.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh.... the mystery is explained. I'm sure your mum will be relieved. ;)