Charlotte Elizabeth [Tonna], Wrongs of Woman (1843)113

The changeableness of fashion, the evanescence of each succeeding whim, produce a brisk and mosthurrying demand for new articles. Mourning, too, is not ordered until death has set his seal upon the insensible clay; and then it is urgently called for in as short a time as possible. Mourning is, of all things, most constantly required: it is also, of all things, the most injurious to those who work upon it. Partial blindness is the certain, total blindness the probable, lot of such as labour in houses especially undertaking this branch of the business; and very severe injuries accrue to the sight of those who only work at it incidentally with the continuance required at each task. London is, indeed, the head-quarters of this as of most other national iniquities but as fashion has everywhere its apes, so has it everywhere its victims; in large to was especially.