Were Medieval Monks Poisoned While Reprinting The Bible?

During the medieval period diseases like leprosy and syphilis were treated with medicines containing mercury. Monks had neither of these conditions were their remains show the tell tale signs of exposure to the toxic chemical.

Mercury is retained in the bones even after death. Scientists who studied the bones from six different Danish cemeteries believe that the monks had been exposed to mercury.

The researchers believe that the monks exposure came from two source. The preparation and administration of medicines to those who had leprosy and syphilis is one logical answer. The other possibility is that using ink in the colour red while scribing Biblical texts. The bright beautiful red on the texts was made with mercury. It is thought that the monks may have licked the brushes while they were at work.

The researchers also studied bone samples from others who showed no sign of mercury poisoning.

Source: By Moments In Time http://timeinmoments.wordpress.com/