Chapter 102 - Lead (2)

"First, let's make sure we have a clear goal."

"A goal, huh..."

"No matter how much we change the laws, it's impossible to eliminate all the lead on Earth, isn't it?"

"Well... that's true."

Even Arthur Conan Doyle, as a doctor, nodded in reluctant agreement.

Lead is toxic. That's an undeniable truth. Yet, the reason it's still used is because it's an incredibly useful material. Just as even in modern times, despite knowing its toxicity and introducing countless regulations, we still can't help but use it.

To start with the most basic example, it's used in bullets, car batteries, even aviation fuel, and in the process of smelting copper.

Because of this, incidents and accidents related to lead have never ceased, even in modern times. One notable case occurred in 2014 in a U.S. city, where in an attempt to save money, they changed their water supply, leading to lead contamination in the drinking water, resulting in around 100,000 cases of lead poisoning.

It was the very epitome of "United States of America." Some say this incident even swayed the outcome of the next U.S. presidential election, so that says it all.

Anyway, why do such things happen? In the end, even in modern times, lead is an irreplaceable, "money-making material." Laws and appeals to humanity won't solve this problem, because people—especially businessmen—tend to value their profits more than other people's lives.

That's why we decided to focus our regulations more precisely.

We narrowed it down to two key points.

First, food that directly enters people's mouths.

Second, paint that's too close to residential areas.

These were the most urgent issues that needed to be dealt with, ones that would directly resonate with the public.

"Well then, Hanslow, I'll be off."

"Take care."

With our agreed-upon points in hand, Arthur Conan Doyle headed to Edinburgh. He planned to visit his hometown for the first time in a while, meet with his mentor, and stop by the Royal Society.

So, what about me, left in London?

"Hmm. You want to submit a lead regulation bill to Parliament?"

"Yes, is that not possible?"

At times like this, Miller was the obvious choice. After all, these matters had to be addressed directly to the political sphere, and of the people I knew, Miller was the closest to that world.

The Fabian Society, including George Bernard Shaw, was an option, but the Labour Party was still extra-parliamentary, so its influence was uncertain. Besides, Shaw himself was currently in Russia.

"I see what you're saying. Food and paint, huh? Sure, that's a more reasonable request than outright banning lead."

"Thank you for your positive response."

"Don't mention it. You're the one who brought it up. And since it's for the kids, I can't ignore it as a parent myself."

Phew, at least he didn't say no.

Politics is a complicated world, full of constraints, and even though we're practically like family, it's an area where I have to be extra careful.

"Then, I suppose I'll have to gather some senior members of the Conservative Party for a little party."

"Wait, the Conservatives? Aren't the Liberals the ones on the left?"

I asked in confusion. Miller looked surprised for a moment before shaking his head.

"Right, I heard the Writers' Union has a lot of Labour Party members. It sounds like you've been hearing some strange things. Hmph, those Reds."

"Well, not exactly..."

Isn't conservatism about small government and free markets? But asking the Conservative Party to push for something that breaks that framework didn't make sense to me.

Did I misunderstand something?

"From their perspective, it's true that the bourgeoisie, the class owning the means of production, is the real establishment. But in politics, things are a bit different."

Miller explained calmly.

In the 21st century, where I came from, the bourgeoisie held the power, so conservatism meant shrinking government and promoting free-market capitalism, while progressivism advocated for big government and corporate regulation.

But in this era, in the Anglo-American political sphere, the bourgeoisie is considered "progressive."

Why?

"Because the mainstream of conservatism is mercantilism."

In the UK, that's the Conservative Party; in the U.S., the Democratic Party. These parties support protectionism, raising tariffs, and bolstering domestic market competitiveness. In particular, the Conservatives wish to expand welfare for urban citizens, especially the working class, to improve domestic productivity.

This is the One-Nation Conservatism that Disraeli championed, an ideology that's continued since his death.

On the other hand, the Liberal Party prioritizes free trade, low taxes, small government, and equal opportunity, advocating a liberal meritocracy. This is known as Gladstonian liberalism... wait, isn't this just classical liberalism?

"It seems I had it completely backward."

"Not entirely. There are still old-school aristocrats in the Conservative Party, like the current Foreign Secretary, the Marquess of Salisbury, who are hostile toward the masses and America. But that's not the party line."

"Hmm... I see."

I never thought I'd be reminded in such a way that I was living in the 19th century.

But what can I do? Politics just isn't my thing. Now that I think about it, Keynes hasn't even emerged yet.

"So, do you understand what I'm saying now?"

Mr. Miller spoke calmly.

In other words, what I'm doing right now could potentially pit me against the Liberal Party, the current ruling party of Britain.

If we ally with the Conservative Party, we'll inevitably come into conflict with the Liberals.

Of course... I hadn't failed to consider that.

But.

"Of course, I understand."

It's unfortunate, but if you can't propose a solution, simply saying not to act won't strengthen your argument.

That's why we need to rally solid logic and allies to get what we want.

"So, I'm thinking of proposing alternative industries."

"Alternative industries? Like what?"

"Well, for starters, seasonings."

At this time, lead was used everywhere to enhance flavor.

Lead vinegar, lead oil, lead syrup, lead flour...

It wasn't just that it seeped out from lead-glazed dishes, but people actively used it for sweetening. It was absurd.

And while sugar could replace it, sugar was still expensive.

Sugarcane plantations were notoriously labor-intensive. Aspartame and sucralose hadn't been developed yet.

But... MSG could be made now.

It's originally made from kelp, after all.

I'd researched it while writing a novel before. By now, I'm sure glutamic acid has been discovered in Germany, though only just discovered.

"Supporting research in that field could help."

Anyway, it's a seasoning, harmless to the human body, and it guarantees umami.

"What about paint?"

"There's plastic."

Celluloids were already widely used during this period.

It wasn't as easy or convenient as modern synthetic resins, but it wasn't as toxic as lead, and people simply hadn't figured out all its industrial uses yet.

"And in heavy industry, there's also aluminum. I've heard that a recently developed process has significantly lowered production costs."

"Yes, but wasn't it once more expensive than platinum? Replacing lead with aluminum would take some time."

"You don't need to worry about that."

I smiled. Well... it's going to get incredibly cheap. By the 21st century, we'll be making aluminum foil, after all.

"I believe these two alternatives can sufficiently replace lead. With that, we can establish a strong base of support."

"Hmm, if that's what you think, then I'll see what I can do. I might even lend support to that industry myself."

Wait, seriously? I blinked in surprise. I had only expected some help, but actual support? His trust was palpable.

"I'm just concerned, that's all," Mr. Miller added. I quietly listened to him.

"New industries always have to challenge existing ones, and those existing industries will do everything they can to crush them. There are also people who rely on those industries for their livelihoods."

"That's true."

In other words, simply offering an alternative won't eliminate the opposition entirely.

Those who've been profiting from lead, those deeply entrenched in that industry, will fight tooth and nail against my proposed regulations.

"Of course, it's better than throwing out a lead regulation bill with no preparation, but it might make more enemies in the process."

"I'm not worried about that."

"... Hmm? Why not?"

"Because the public will like what I'm doing."

I spoke calmly.

The higher-ups and businessmen might hate it. Suddenly being told to use an unproven alternative instead of a convenient material? Naturally, they'd resist.

But the people below?

Specifically... the workers who handled lead?

"They've probably wanted something new all along, but simply had no way out."

After all, they'd almost died of lead poisoning.

If they were employed in aluminium or plastic factories instead, their wallets might feel lighter, but at least they'd live to see another day.

"If you're confident, then go ahead."

Mr. Miller smiled brightly.

"Do as you please. I'll always believe in and support you."

"Thank you, Mr. Miller."

Alright, I've got the green light.

The groundwork is laid, so now... it's time for the writer in me to take over.

***

Arthur Conan Doyle was wrong.

It wasn't just doctors who knew that lead was dangerous. The public, too, had some vague awareness of it.

— Lead kills people? Who doesn't know that?

— But what can you do? It's cheap, so we use it.

The issue was that people didn't fully understand just how harmful it was.

The level of danger varied, but it wasn't so different from the 21st century. Smoke too much, or drink, and your liver or other organs start to hurt.

But that didn't mean people would quit smoking or drinking. Life is too unbearable to stop because of a vague fear like that.

"Hey, are you still reading Vincent Villiers?"

"Of course. Why?"

"Well, doesn't it say in there that lead poisoning can kill a kid?"

"Sure, but that's how it is with paint, right? Poor kids are ignorant and put everything in their mouths."

"Still... it feels unsettling, doesn't it?"

"Forget it and get back to work. We've got a mountain of paperwork to deal with today."

And so, the public didn't react much at first.

Because they didn't know how serious it was.

But as with anything, the drop that overflows the glass is that last bit of water that breaks the surface tension.

And then.

Royal Society Interview: Popular Writer Hanslow Jin in Debate with Arthur Conan Doyle!

In-Depth Investigation! How Realistic Are Scientific Murders?

Lead, Asbestos, Cyanide... Exploring Poisons You Can Find in Everyday Life!

That last drop had fallen.