Mercury silvering methods. The technique was also used in Asia, for example "tokin" plating in Edo-period Japan. Mercury silvering Mercury silvering or fire gilding is a silvering technique for applying a thin layer of precious metal such as silver or gold (mercury gilding) to a base metal object. The process was invented during the Middle Ages and is documented in Vannoccio Biringuccio's 1540 book "De la pirotechnia". An amalgam of mercury and the precious metal is prepared and applied to the object which is then heated, sometimes in oil, vaporizing most of the mercury. The technique is dangerous since mercury is highly
Kodaikanal mercury poisoning is a heavy metal and is commonly known as quicksilver. It is the only metal that is a liquid in standard condition of pressure and temperature. Heavy and silvery, mercury is dangerous to flora and fauna even in small doses. In human beings, continuous exposure to mercury leads to damage or impairment of the brain, kidneys and liver. Mercury is used for industrial purposes such as making thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, and fluorescent lamps. Of late, use of mercury-dependent devices have been phased out around the world and the industry has moved to digital devices replacing mercury devices. The mercury contamination