Why did hat makers go mad?

The origin of the phrase, it’s believed, is that hatters really did go mad. The chemicals used in hat-making included mercurous nitrate, used in curing felt. Prolonged exposure to the mercury vapors caused mercury poisoning.

Why did beaver hats go out of style?

By the late 17th century, the beaver was virtually extinct in Europe due to the high demand for beaver felt top hats. An alternate source of supply was found in what is now North America.

Why did Europeans want beaver hats?

The Europeans would make hats out of the beaver pelts. A lot of the beavers were decimated in Europe, so that’s why they were coming over here to get it. They would rather have a worn out beaver skin with the long hair missing already, because then they wouldn’t have to pluck the long hairs out to get down to the felt.

Why Are Mad Hatter’s called that?

Mad hatter’s disease refers to neurological symptoms of mercury poisoning over a long period of exposure. Its name stems from the fact that hatmakers used to use a mercury compound to cure felt.

How many beavers were killed during the fur trade?

Others prefer dynamite. Two hundred plus years of the fur trade killed off beaver populations—40 to 60 million beavers basked in North America in the 19th century before hunters massacred them for hats and perfume.

Why is beaver fur so valuable?

Mammal winter pelts were prized for warmth, particularly animal pelts for beaver wool felt hats, which were an expensive status symbol in Europe. The demand for beaver wool felt hats was such that the beaver in Europe and European Russia had largely disappeared through exploitation.

How many beavers were killed in the fur trade?

Why did some Europeans come to North America?

European nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth and broaden their influence over world affairs. Many of the people who settled in the New World came to escape religious persecution. The Pilgrims, founders of Plymouth, Massachusetts, arrived in 1620.

Can Mad Hatter disease be cured?

Fortunately, hatters stopped using mercury in 1941. If you think you’ve been exposed to mercury, speak with a doctor immediately. Mercury poisoning is reversible with proper treatment. This includes oxygen, bronchodilators, fluids, and medicine to help your body excrete mercury.