[GOP_1900AD]

I would imagine that most people of reasonable means had similar lead levels in those days. Pewter cups, fine well decorated homes, rudimentary plumbing, etc. All of meant exposure to lead.

[neverdem]

Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism and susceptibility of workers exposed to inorganic lead and its effects on neurobehavioral functions.

The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism and bone and blood lead levels in community-exposed men: the Normative Aging Study.

I think it may have been in his genes.

[lizma]

Makeup was high in lead back then and was used by men and women. Until they compare Mr. B's levels to the level found in his peers, these findings are pretty silly.

For all we know most of what we read about him today could have come from the Vienna National Enquirer of yesteryear.