80. Mercury: Fatally Toxic And Probably In Yo...

Many episodes have incorporated geology, but this one is more about geography. (And amateur nuclear science.) 

Element 94 causes a bit of a crisis for our collections. 

When you think of mercury, what springs to mind? Is it the entrancing drop of shimmery liquid that flows from a broken thermometer, giving the metal the name quicksilver? Or is it the warnings of overconsumption of fish and bioaccumulation? Or perhaps it’s the Mad Hatter from Ali ...  Show more

Joe and Fergus chat about all things mercury and find that there's much more to it than just thermometers! It's been used since ancient times - some thought it was the key to eternal life, despite its poisonous nature. Find out more in this week's episode. 

The most beautiful and shimmering of the elements, the weirdest, and yet the most reviled.Chemist Andrea Sella tell the story of Mercury, explaining the significance of this element not just for chemistry, but also the development of modern civilisation. It's been a a source of w ...  Show more

Welcome to the Dark History podcast. Did you know that grills, yes, for your teeth, have been around for thousands of years? Or that most fillings have mercury in them, even now? It turns out that the history of oral hygiene is full of crazy stories. Get ready for a mythical toot ...  Show more