Twain seemed always to be suffering from bronchitis or carbuncles, neither 
of which are caused by mercury so far as I know, and both were common 
ailments in those days, from common causes having nothing to do with heavy 
metals. Twain also had high exposure to lead dust by virtue of his early 
typesetting days, but his health issues don't  seem evidence of 
lead-poisoning either. In fact, for a heavy-smoking 19th century person he 
lived a long active life. I understand he had unimpaired mental acuity as 
well.

Kevin
@
Mac Donnell Rare Books
9307 Glenlake Drive
Austin TX 78730
512-345-4139
Member: ABAA, ILAB
*************************
You may browse our books at
www.macdonnellrarebooks.com

>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mark Twain Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ben Wise
> Sent: Monday, July 04, 2011 12:18 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Mark's exposure to mercury
>
> Mercury poisoning symptoms  "typically include sensory impairment (vision, 
> =
> h=3D earing, speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination. The 
> t=
> ype and degree of symptoms exhibited depend upon the individual toxin, the 
> =
> dose, a=3D nd the method and duration of exposure." 20
> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning)
>
> Does this "explain much of his behavior and some of his illness we hear 
> abo=
> ut"?  If so, can you cite examples or references?
>
> Just curious.
>
> Ben



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