What was the first medical use for mercury?

The first medical use for mercury was as a treatment for syphilis. In the 16th century, mercury was recognized for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of this sexually transmitted infection. It was applied in various forms, including ointments and solutions, under the belief that it could help cure syphilis, which was a significant public health issue during that time.

Despite its toxicity and the serious side effects associated with mercury exposure, its use was widespread until the early 20th century when more effective and less harmful treatments were developed.

In contrast, while mercury has been used in dental fillings for its durability, this occurred later and was not its first medical application. The treatments for arthritis and gout also came much later, as they focus more on managing symptoms rather than addressing the initial medical uses of mercury in the context of syphilis treatment. Understanding this historical context highlights the evolution of medical treatments and the transition away from using toxic substances as standard therapy.