Mercury (element)
Summary
Hosts Alex Schmidt and Katie Golden explore the fascinating and toxic element mercury, discussing its unique liquid state, historical uses in art and film, and dangerous medical applications like calomel. They reveal how mercury traces in excrement helped map the Lewis and Clark expedition and examine modern pollution sources, including coal and gold mining. The episode also highlights innovative cleanup efforts using mercury-eating fungi.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Quicksilver, thermometers, and the Mad Hatter
Etymology: Hermes, Hydrargyrum, and the symbol Hg
Physical properties: Melting point, density, and floating anvils
Art and Cinema: Calder's fountain and Orpheus effects
Historical Poisoning: Emperors, Lewis & Clark, and calomel
Modern Pollution: Coal, gold mining, ice, and cleanup fungus
Naming History: From Quicksilver to Mercury the planet
Outro: Takeaways, bonus content, and acknowledgments
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