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The History and Uses of Mercury: From Ancient Times to Modern Medicine

Mercury, or Hg, has a rich history, dating back to Egyptian tombs around 1500 B.C. Initially viewed positively by alchemists and Chinese emperors for its unique properties, mercury is a dense, silver-white metal that remains liquid at room temperature. While it has applications in thermometers, lamps, and dentistry, its toxic nature poses severe health risks, including neurological damage and reproductive issues. Understanding this element's complexities is vital for safe use in various fields.

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The History and Uses of Mercury: From Ancient Times to Modern Medicine

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  1. Mercury Maria Cano Chem 1010

  2. History • The element has been around for many years it has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1500 B.C. It is unclear who first discovered it. • Hydragyrum meaning liquid silver was modified by the Romans, Hg is the symbol that is on the periodic table today for mercury • Mercury is the 80th element listed on the periodic table and known as Hg.

  3. Good or Bad? • Around the fourth century Alchemist believed that mercury was a good substance because it had both solid and liquid, they saw it as earth and heaved or life and death. • Chinese emperor also thought mercury would help them prolong their lives but did the opposite instead. Some traditional Chinese medicine still have high levels of mercury today.

  4. Characteristics Mercury is a dense, silver-white metal with a mirror like appearance. It’s the only metal that at room temperature is in a liquid state and evaporates slowly and the same temperature. Mercury also has a high surface tension, and when spilled, breaks up into tiny beads.

  5. Uses • There are many uses for mercury, some of the most commons use is for barometers and manometers which are measuring instruments (Example: Thermometer) • Mercury is also used to make advertising signs and in lamps that are typically used for street light, as sun lamps, and UV lights. • Compounds of mercury are also used in medicine, dentistry, cosmetics and in agriculture to make fungicides.

  6. Harmful Health Effects • Mercury is very poisonous and cause some serious health effects to humans. If exposed to mercury by inhaling mercury the affects consist of: • Disruption of the nervous system • Damage to brain functions • DNA damage and chromosomal damage • Allergic reactions, skin rashes, tiredness and headaches • Negative reproductive effects, such as sperm damage, birth defects and miscarriages.

  7. References • http://www.chemicool.com/elements/mercury.html • http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/hg.htm

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