EDNOTE. "The Nabokovian" that Carolyn refers to here is the twice yearly publication of the International Nabokov Society. One of its regular features is Brian Boyd's detailed "Annotations on ADA," now up to Chapter 21 , Part I. Below Carolyn Kunin offers the first of several observations on Boyd's notes. The following explcation is the Boyd's note to p. 131, lines 24-6: "[Marina] would have poisoned her governess with anti-roach owder if forbidden to read ... Turgenev's Smoke."     Boyd lists several definitions of "borax" (none connected with poisons) and continues with a description of the Turgenev novel and its conceibale relevance to ADA. Carolyn adds some pertinent information.
 
 
Original Message -----
From: Carolyn Kunin
To: Vladimir Nabokov Forum
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:06 AM
Subject: addendum to a note regarding Borax in Ada

To the List,

I have just received my first issue of "the Nabokovian" and to my pleasure, I find it contains much to chew on.

I was  somewhat confused by the mention of Borax as anti-roach poison both in Ada (Marina speculates on the possibility of poisoning an intrusive governess  by this means) and in Brian Boyd's note. It sounded both somehow right, and somehow wrong.

A visit to the local drugstore partly cleared up the confusion.  Not Borax (an excellent soap) but its near relation Boric Acid is the anti-roach poison. Could it kill a governess? See below:


T123 Boric Acid Roach Powder 12 1 lb. 15 001232
Boric Acid ppowder Kills Cockroaches, Fleas, Ants and Silverfish
Odorless, Non-staining

It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.


PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
HAZARD TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS
CAUTION
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes eye irritation. Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly with
soap and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.

O r t h o b o r i c A c i d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 9 . 0 0 %
I n e r t I n g r e d i e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 0 0 %
T o t a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 0 . 0 0 %

Medical Encyclopedia: Boric acid overdose


URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002600.htm


Definition   
Poisoning from an overdose of boric acid.


Poisonous Ingredient   

*    boric acid



Where Found   

*    boric acid
*    talcum powder [n.b.!]

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.


Symptoms  

body as a whole:
*    fever
*    twitching of facial muscles
*    twitching of arms, hands, legs, feet
*    convulsions
*    significant decrease in urine output
*    no urine output
*    collapse


skin:
*    blisters
*    skin changes-pink to red
*    bluish colored lips and fingernails
*    sloughing of skin
*    other skin manifestations


gastrointestinal:
*    vomiting - mucous, blood, blue-green color
*    diarrhea - mucous, blood, blue-green color


heart and blood vessels:
*    low blood pressure


nervous system:
*    drowsiness
*    coma
Carolyn Kunin