Join FunTrivia for Free: Hourly trivia games, quizzes, community, and more!
Fun Trivia
Ask FunTrivia: Questions and Answers
Answers to 100,000 Fascinating Questions
Welcome to FunTrivia's Question & Answer forum!

Search All Questions


Please cite any factual claims with citation links or references from authoritative sources. Editors continuously recheck submissions and claims.

Archived Questions

Goto Qn #


Is there absolutely any relation between formaldehyde and Mr. Hyde from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'? When I break down for-mal-de-hyde, I get for / mal (bad) / de (of) / Hyde (Mr. Hyde). Does it have a meaning like "bad potion of Hyde" or am I just seeing a weird coincidence?

Question #97021. Asked by jimmycarlos.

avatar
Baloo55th star
Answer has 6 votes
Currently Best Answer
Baloo55th star
21 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Only just seen this one, sorry.
You are seeing a weird coincidence. The real breakdown is form-aldehyde. Aldehydes are a group of organic chemicals whose name is reckoned to come from AL-cohol DEHYDogenated, and each aldehyde will have an associated alcohol. link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldehyde Formaldehyde is also called methyl aldehyde, which gives the alcohol. The form- bit comes from the ease with which formaldehyde is oxidised into formic acid - named from the nasty stuff ants use when they get upset with you (and in turn this derives from Latin; there is a word formication - note spelling - which refers to a condition where you feel as if ants are running about on you). link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formic_acid link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde
In water solution, formaldehyde is called formalin, which loses Mr Hyde. An interesting example of what is called 'folk etymology'.

Jun 29 2008, 1:47 PM
free email trivia FREE! Get a new mixed Fun Trivia quiz each day in your email. It's a fun way to start your day!


arrow Your Email Address:

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion