Mercury

—Often known as quicksilver. A silvery white metal; melts at 39° and boils at 358° F. It unites with oxygen at a temperature near its boiling point forming crystalline red oxide, and unites with many substances even at the ordinary temperature. Combinations with other metals are called amalgams. Mercury is largely used in thermometers, barometers, air pumps, standard cells and other electrical apparatus. It is a good conductor of electricity.