Mercury - The Element that Changed the World

Abstract Mercury is a bright silver liquid with an exceptionally high density of 13.6 g·cm –3 . It has a high surface tension, causing it to form bright shiny globules that roll freely on smooth surfaces. For this reason, it is sometimes called quicksilver. Not surprisingly, mercury has been the focus of insatiable curiosity since the earliest of times, a curiosity that has led to the use of mercury and its compounds in a vast range of applications in the fields of medicine, chemistry, physics and technology. Mercury has played a significant role in philosophical speculations about the nature of metals, and in scientific research. This has led to some remarkable results, from which we benefit on an everyday basis. The purpose of this article is to outline three major scientific discoveries, made during the past four centuries, which exploited the unique properties of mercury. The discoveries are associated with the names of five outstanding scientists - Torricelli, Priestley, Scheele, Lavoisier and Faraday. Using these discoveries as examples, it will be shown that mercury was the key player in the formation of today’s technological world.