The article “Lock of hair unveils clue to Beethoven’s torment” (Page 1, Oct. 18) explains that lead poisoning is suspected as an explanation for the great composer’s medical/mental problems. This is based on the chemical analysis of some of Beethoven’s hair.
Hair analysis is a poor indicator of disease or poisoning because hair is quite porous and will absorb elements from the environment, not just what is eaten.
It is possible that the high level of lead found in the hair was from cosmetics, hair preparations or funeral practices (lead-lined coffins or embalming, for example) and not from the composer’s diet.
Though Beethoven had some symptoms seen in lead poisoning (and other diseases), he did not demonstrate the blood, nerve, muscle, kidney and brain symptoms so typical of lead toxicity.
A biopsy or X-ray of some of Beethoven’s bones may provide a more definitive answer to the illnesses and death of this great man.
