[Lexinom]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but mercury doesn't kill you directly and immediately. Instead, it causes neurological damage and drives you insane. Recall the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. Why were 19th century hatters considered mad?

From Wikipedia:

"Although the name "Mad Hatter" was clearly done and inspired by the phrase "as mad as a hatter", there is some uncertainty as to the origins of this phrase. Mercury was used in the process of curing pelts used in some hats, making it impossible for hatters to avoid inhaling the mercury fumes given off during the hat making process; hatters and mill workers thus often suffered mercury poisoning, causing neurological damage, including confused speech and distorted vision."

[1010RD]

causing neurological damage, including confused speech and distorted vision.

Obviously, the precursor to liberalism.