The phrase “mad as a hatter” actually comes from Mad Hatter disease, better known as mercury poisoning. In the 19^th century, fur treated with mercury was used to make felt hats. Hatters were confined in small spaces and breathed toxic mercury fumes, resulting in “mad” or irrational behavior.

When was Mad Hatter's disease discovered?

The first description of symptoms of mercury poisoning among hatters appears to have been made in St Petersburg, Russia, in 1829. In the United States, a thorough occupational description of mercury poisoning among New Jersey hatters was published locally by Addison Freeman in 1860.

What is the origin of mad as Hatter?

This expression, dating from the early 1800s, alludes to exposure to the chemicals formerly used in making felt hats, which caused tremors and other nervous symptoms. The variant, dating from the 14th century, alludes to the crazy behavior of hares during rutting season, mistakenly thought to be only in March.

What does mercury do to the human body?

All Mercury is Toxic

Depending on the type and amount, exposures to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system. Breathing mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, lungs and kidneys. Mercury vapors can pass easily from the lungs to the bloodstream.

What organ does mercury affect most?

In general, mercury tends to affect the nervous system. This means that unborn babies and children are at more risk because their nervous systems are developing.

Mad Hatters - What really made them Mad? | History Documentary

Does mercury ever leave your body?

Most of the metallic mercury will accumulate in your kidneys, but some metallic mercury can also accumulate in the brain. Most of the metallic mercury absorbed into the body eventually leaves in the urine and feces, while smaller amounts leave the body in the exhaled breath.

Why does the Mad Hatter have 10 6 on his hat?

English illustrator John enniel depicted Hatter wearing a hat with 10/6 written on it. The 10/6 refers to the cost of a hat — 10 shillings and 6 pence, and later became the date and month to celebrate Mad Hatter Day. The idiom “mad as a hatter” was around long before Carroll started writing.

Why is Mad Hatter obsessed with Alice?

Instead, he's embraced his persona as the Mad Hatter and may see Alice as both a source of affection and the chance to escape his reality by creating a Wonderland of his own. With Alice at his side, it would confirm the life he made was nothing like the reality he nurtured.

Is the Mad Hatter in love with Alice?

the hatter is a father figure to slice and they love each other like father and daughter. and he is at least twice her age. In Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the relationship between Alice and the Mad Hatter is not portrayed as a romantic one.

What is Mad Hatter's disease called today?

Toxic organic psychosis

When mercurial poisoning was common in the hat trade, erethism, the name given to the psychiatric symptoms, was so well known that the phrase 'mad as a hatter' entered the language. It is rare nowadays as are psychotic symptoms following exposure to other metals.

What does the Mad Hatter symbolize?

One common interpretation is that the Mad Hatter represents the chaos and confusion of Wonderland. His nonsensical comments, riddles with no answers, and strange behavior reflects the topsy-turvy world that Alice finds herself in.

What is Hatter's real name?

Tarrant Hightopp, also known as The Mad Hatter, is a fictional character in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland and its 2016 sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass, based upon the original character from Lewis Carroll's Alice novels. He is portrayed by actor Johnny Depp.

Is mercury poisoning reversible?

A large overdose of inorganic mercury may cause massive blood and fluid loss, kidney failure, and likely death. Chronic brain damage from organic mercury poisoning is difficult to treat. Some people never recover, but there has been some success in people who receive chelation treatment.

What mental disorder does the Mad Hatter have?

The diagnosis the Mad Hatter seems to fit best is Borderline Personality Disorder (301.83). He displays this among Mally and the Hare. He is constantly changing his mood and one minute is harsh to them, and the next minute he thinks they have the greatest idea ever.

Why was the Mad Hatter dying?

It seems the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) is dying because he's so heartbroken about his long-lost family's fate. Depp is wasted here, spending most of his time sick in bed while other characters mourn his impending death. When he's away from his death bed, the Mad Hatter isn't given anything interesting to do, either.

What was Alice's mental illness in Alice in Wonderland?

At several points in the story, Alice questions her own identity and feels 'different' in some way from when she first woke. Approximately 1% of the UK population experience these feeling constantly, and suffer from a syndrome known as depersonalisation disorder (DPD).

Why is her head so big Alice in Wonderland?

From the original John Tenniel illustrations of the Duchess, she gets a massive head in proportion to her body and a retinue of frog footmen. The White Queen theorizes that the movie's Red Queen has a tumor pressing against her brain, explaining both her large head and her deranged behaviour.

What did Mad Hatter whisper to Alice?

At the end of his dance, the Hatter grabs Alice and kisses her passionately. Before she leaves, He abruptly kisses her one last time and whispers "Fairfarren, Alice.".

What does the Cheshire Cat symbolize in Alice in Wonderland?

The Cheshire Cat is sometimes interpreted as a guiding spirit for Alice, as it is he who directs her toward the March Hare's house and the mad tea party, which eventually leads her to her final destination, the garden.

What is the most famous quote from Alice in Wonderland?

What does the white rabbit represent in Alice in Wonderland?

Conclusion: In conclusion, the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland is not just a cute and quirky character, but a symbol of deeper meanings related to time, anxiety, and societal pressures. Carroll uses the White Rabbit to comment on the fast-paced nature of modern life and the anxieties that can come with it.

How long can a human survive on mercury?

Mercury has extreme climes. The part facing the sun is extremely hot, whereas the other side is freezing. There is a lack of air on this planet. Without a spacesuit, one would survive for hardly 2 minutes.

Why is mercury toxic for life?

Elemental mercury, if inhaled, can cause permanent lung damage and potential brain damage. Inorganic mercury can damage kidneys and cause blood loss. Organic mercury can damage your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Large amounts of mercury or long-term exposure can lead to death if not treated.

What happens if you inhale mercury from a light bulb?

Mercury vapor is released when the bulb is broken. Inhaling mercury vapor is hazardous to your health. Breathing in mercury vapors may cause symptoms such as cough, fever, difculty breathing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, increased salivation and an acute metallic taste in the mouth.