Blue Mass: A Versatile Medication from the Past
During the 17th through the 19th centuries, one of the commonly prescribed medications was the blue mass. Originally intended for syphilis treatment, its uses gradually expanded over time. This versatile medication became a remedy for various ailments such as constipation, toothache, parasites, and even the pains of childbirth. Sailors in the early 19th century combined blue mass with a black draught for treating constipation. Typically, the blue mass consisted of a combination of mercury, licorice, glycerol, rose honey, and an Althaea (marshmallow) plant extract.
The Origins of Mad Hatter Syndrome: Mercury Poisoning in Hat-Makers
The Hatter, a beloved character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is known for his eccentric behavior. Interestingly, this fictional character is inspired by a neurological disorder that afflicted many textile workers, particularly hatters, during the 17th and 18th centuries. This disorder, known as erethism or mad hatter syndrome, is believed to have been caused by mercury poisoning, resulting in profound behavioral changes, delirium, and memory loss.
During the process of creating felt, hat-makers would use mercury to stabilize the wool. Unfortunately, this constant exposure to mercury vapor proved to be highly toxic, eventually leading to the poisoning of these workers. By the time the Victorian era arrived, erethism had become so prevalent that phrases such as “mad as a hatter” began to be used to describe individuals exhibiting similar symptoms.