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A Summary Of Mercury Poisoning In Life Of Pi

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A Summary Of Mercury Poisoning In Life Of Pi
Mercury poisoning is a, “Poisoning caused by mercury or a compound containing mercury, with the acute form characterized by stomach ulcers and renal tubule toxicity and the chronic form affecting the central nervous system and causing emotional instability.” (Dictionary) In the story, Life of Pi, the protagonist is abandoned at sea stuck in a lifeboat with a bengal tiger relying on fishing and crackers to survive. While Pi’s story may be very different from previous ones they have one thing in similar: Mercury Poisoning. For many sailors they received mercury through medical treatments for syphilis and open sores but that is not the only way one may obtain mercury in their system (“Medicine at sea”) . Another way one could obtain mercy is to consume it through the digestion of fish and other seafoods.
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