QUICKSILVER, or MERCURY, a metallic substance, fluid, except in extreme degrees of cold, of a shining white appearance, very much resembling silver; its specific gravity the greatest of all metals next to gold and platina. For the method of extracting this metal from its ore, see METALLURGY, p. 4957. For the various preparations from it, see CHEMISTRY, no 153, 205, 250, 414. and VOL. IX.
(A) Pure mercury may also be distinguished from that mixture of lead or tin, at least, very much diminishes its attraction of cohesion. For, when pure mercury is contained in a glass or earthen vessel, there will be a hollow space between the metal and the vessel; whereas, if there be lead or tin in it, the whole surface, even to the place of contact with the vessel, will be perfectly level.