The Mad Hatter: A Symbol of Mercury Poisoning and Eccentricity in Lewis Carroll’s World

The enigmatic and eccentric character of the Mad Hatter in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has captivated imagination for generations. Who, or what, was the inspiration behind this delightfully quirky character?

Who Was the Mad Hatter Based On?

According to Martin Gardner in a revised printing of “The Annotated Alice,” there have been various speculations about who Lewis Carroll had in mind when creating the Mad Hatter. One of the primary candidates is Theophilus Carter, an eccentric furniture dealer in the Oxford area known for always wearing a top hat. Another theory, proposed by Ellis Hillman in “Jabberwocky,” suggests that the character of the Mad Hatter might have been based on Samuel Odgen, a Manchester hatter known as ‘Mad Sam.’ Odgen is noted for designing a special hat for the tsar of Russia in 1814 when he visited London.

Hillman also raises an interesting point, suggesting that if the “H” is dropped from “Mad Hatter,” it sounds like “Mad Atter.” He posits that this could describe a mathematician, possibly Lewis Carroll himself, or the famous Cambridge mathematician Charles Babbage, known for his efforts to build a mechanical calculating machine.

Mercury Poisoning and the Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter character is not just a product of Carroll's imagination; it is also a reflection of the real-life occupational hazards faced by hat-makers in the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the key elements that many theorists highlight is the issue of mercury poisoning, or Mad Hatter’s Disease. In the 18th and 19th centuries, mercury was extensively used in the production of felt, a material commonly used in hat-making. The long-term use of mercury resulted in mercury poisoning among hat-makers, often leading to a condition known as Mercurialism (Erethism).

Mercury poisoning could cause a range of symptoms, including irritability, agitation, tremors, slurred speech, and hallucinations. These symptoms closely resemble those depicted in Carroll's story. The name 'Mad Hatter' thus became a metaphor for the occupational hazard faced by hat-makers.

Popular Culture and Hat Makers: A Symbol of Eccentricity

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, the real name of Lewis Carroll, lived from 27 January 1832 to 14 January 1898, a period when the hat-making industry flourished. Specifically, the 'Stove Pipe' hat (popularly known as the top hat) became a ubiquitous symbol of polite society. During this time, hat-makers were a common sight on every street corner, enhancing their reputation as eccentrics and oddballs.

The symmetrical and precise nature of hat-making, combined with the use of mercury, often led to the stark portrayal of these workers as 'Mad Hatters.' This popular image underscores the real-life struggles and eccentricities of those in the hat-making profession, which Carroll skillfully captures in his story.

Conclusion

The Mad Hatter character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a fascinating blend of historical realities and literary invention. It serves as a poignant reminder of the occupational hazards faced by hat-makers during the 18th and 19th centuries and a reflection of the broader issues of eccentricity and societal roles in Carroll's time.

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By delving into the historical and literary context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the character that Lewis Carroll created, enriching our understanding of the times and the people who inspired such a beloved character.