I was kind of disappointed not to find that "extraordinary literary talent" was not one of the symptoms of Hg poisoning. Was going to buy up all the old thermometers I could find, but I see that would be useless, after all. (My old lead plumbing hasn't done much good, either.)
Ben
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Mac Donnell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 3:48:12 PM
Subject: Re: Mark's exposure to mercury
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
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>
> -----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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