The selenium story: some reflections on the moon-metal

Authors: Oldfield JE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 22, Issue 6, pp 85-94, Jun 1974
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Diet/rations/food, Reproduction, Neoplasia, Oncology, Nutrition/metabolism, Disease/defect, Selenium, Trace elements, Oral/teeth, Toxicology, Vitamins
Article class: Review Article

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Abstract: Selenium has been variously described, in complimentary and derogatory terms, by the many peolple that have associated themselves with it, and perhaps the adjective that fits best is “controversial”. More than most elements, certainly, and maybe even more than any other, selenium has stimulated argument, with the result that knowledge of its metabolic function has not come easily, but has been debated, often with great vigour, virtually every step of the way. The discovery of selenium has usually been attributed to Berzelius, at Gripshelm, in Sweden, in 1818, although there has even been some question raised on this point…

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