University of Virginia Library

Englishmen
Sans Lids

The expression "mad as a
hatter" arose from the high
incidence of mercury poisoning
among Nineteenth Century
hat-makers, who used mercury in
producing hats. Why is unknown.

The antics of Lewis Carroll's Mad
Hatter in Alice In Wonderland are
patterned after the behaviour of the
deranged hatters of that time, and
citizens are today urged to stay at
home, get plenty of rest, and
beware of mad dogs bearing fish
and Englishmen with lids. - Cassandra.