Mercury poisoning from the public health viewpoint.

Author: Neal PA.

Source: American Journal of Public Health and the Nations Health.

Year: 1938

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

MERCURY has ranked prominently among the causes of poisoning for several hundred years. It was known to the Egyptians in 1600 BC The knowledge of mercury accompanied the gradual spread of Egyptian culture to Greece, and from Greece the information passed to Rome, and thence over the Roman Empire. The Egyp-tians, Greeks, and Romans considered mercury too toxic for medicinal use. Mercury was known in India about 500 BC where its medicinal value was recognized during the 1st century AD, and mercury stomatitis was described during this time.

Citation: Neal PA. Mercury poisoning from the public health viewpoint. American Journal of Public Health and the Nations Health. 1938; 28(8):907-15.