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 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3745 - Release Date: 07/05/11