Argyrol, argyrosis and the acquisition of art

Argyrosis is a now unfamiliar ocular condition with the lapsing of Argyrol and other related silver compounds from the ophthalmic dispensary. It gives rise to a characteristic clinical picture in the conjunctiva and cornea. Argyrol was invented by Albert Barnes and, with the fortune he made, he was able to gather one of the greatest collections of modern art. The collection is displayed at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.