Another name for the metal mercury. It doesn't mean that it is quick, as in fast, but quick as in alive. It was known as argentum vivum to both latin and arabic alchemists - live silver.
Sep 04 2004, 7:38 AM
jonnowales
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jonnowales 20 year member
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Mercury, also called quicksilver, is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Hg (Latinized Greek: hydrargyrum, meaning watery or liquid silver) and atomic number 80. A heavy, silvery transition metal, mercury is one of five elements that are liquid at or near room temperature and pressure. The others are the metals caesium, francium, and gallium, and the non-metal bromine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_%28element%29
