The most commonly encountered elemental (liquid) mercury is in measurement devices – thermometers, barometers and hygrometers. Other mercury-containing objects are found in collections such as:
- Art – cinnabar in lacquerware, vermilion pigments.
- Costume – beaver and rabbit fur felted hats.
- Dentistry – dental amalgam.
- Electricity – mercury arc rectifiers.
- Furniture – tin-mercury silvered mirrors.
- Herbaria – mercuric chloride treated specimen sheets.
- Horology – mercury filled clock pendulums.
- Lighting – fluorescent lamps.
- Pharmacy – mercury in medicines, calomel, corrosive sublimate treatments.
- Science – alchemical specimens.
- Vehicles – mercury ignition switches.