Amalgamist

/əˈmælɡəmɪst/ noun

Definition

A specialist or expert in the practice of amalgamation; someone who creates or works with amalgams or blended materials.

Etymology

From amalgam plus the suffix -ist (indicating 'specialist in' or 'one who practices'). Developed in technical contexts, particularly in metallurgy and dentistry.

Kelly Says

Historical 'amalgamists'—the folks who worked with mercury and metals to create dental fillings—had some of the most dangerous jobs in pre-modern medicine because they were regularly exposed to mercury vapor without any protective equipment, which caused neurological damage that became known as 'mad hatter's disease.'

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