A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to mercury poisoning. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing.
A poisonous liquid metal, used in thermometers.
A toxic mineral that may be a contaminant of ocean fish and fish oils. Halibut, tilefish, king mackerel, tuna, and swordfish contain more mercury than perch, flounder, and tilapia.
Toxic metallic element sometimes used in ointments.
A metallic element that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury was used widely in medications and as disinfectants for many years, but its use has been greatly reduced because of concerns about toxic effects.
A silvery metallic element that is liquid at room temperature. Its toxicity has caused a decline in the use of its compounds in medicine during this century, but mercurial compounds in the form of ointments were formerly used in the treatment of syphilis. The main uses of mercury salts today are in antiseptics, fungicides, and antiparasitic agents.
A metallic element with an atomic weight of 201 and an atomic number of 80. It is insoluble in ordinary solvents but soluble in hydrochloric acid on boiling. It is a silvery liquid at room temperature. Mercury forms two series of salts: mercurous, in which it has a valence of one (univalent), and mercuric, in which it has a valence of two (bivalent).
Mercury is unique as it’s the only metal that remains liquid at room temperature. It’s utilized in devices like thermometers and blood pressure measuring instruments called sphygmomanometers. Additionally, it’s a component in some dental filling compounds.