                    Beethoven
    Scientists near Chicago, Illinois, say the great German music composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, may have suffered from lead poison. They say this may have caused Beethoven's many sicknesses. The scientists say high levels of lead also may have caused Beethoven to act in unusual ways. He died in 1827 at age fifty-six in Vienna, Austria. 
    The scientists tested pieces of Beethoven's hair. They used equipment that creates the most detailed X-rays possible. They were searching for evidence of mercury. Mercury was commonly used to treat the disease syphilis. No mercury was found in Beethoven's hair, however. This supports the belief of most historians that Beethoven did not have syphilis.  
    However, the scientists did find lead in Beethoven's hair. The levels of lead were more than one hundred times higher than levels found in most people today. Scientists say this much lead could easily have caused the stomach pains Beethoven suffered for more than thirty years. Lead is also linked to the mental sickness of depression. And, high amounts of lead can cause people to become unreasonably and easily angry. It is believed Beethoven experienced these conditions.
