Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?
(Alice checks his temperature)
Alice: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.
Today is the Mad-Hatter Day, and it’s the perfect day to be silly, or have an unbirthday tea party with your rats and hares!
Although most people think that Lewis Carol is responsible for this character, things are slightly different.
The hatters started using inorganic mercury sometime in the 17th century, in France. The practice was then transferred to England and other countries. The prolonged exposure to mercury, caused the hatters to suffer from what was later known as “mad-hatter disease/syndrome” or the “hatter’s shake”. The sad truth was that it was mercury poisoning.
The symptoms included irritability, shyness, tremors, emotional disturbance, confusion, and dementia.
Seems like the poor Mad Hatter was indeed bonkers but I will agree with Alice on this one. All the best people are. It’s no longer a secret that we are all mad here, right?
First published: 5/10/2016