I had heard the term "mad as a hatter" years ago, but didn't think much about it at the time other than it meant someone was nuts. The term actually had an interesting origin. In the early days of hat making, mercury was part of the process in preparing the materials that went into the making of a hat. Unfortunately the use of mercury had deleterious effects on the hat makers, called Chapeliers at the time. I don't know what the symptoms of mercury poisoning was, but it was not good. But it was bad enough to spawn the term "Mad as a Hatter". Fortunately this man is living today and uses healthier means of producing his hats.

If you would like to know more about Ted York Photography please click here.