"Quicksilver is used for many purposes; without it, neither silver nor brass can be properly gilt"

This quote by Marcus V. Pollio is describing the use of quicksilver, or mercury, in the process of gilding. Gilding is the procedure of applying a thin layer of gold or other rare-earth element to a things. Quicksilver is utilized as a driver in the process, as it assists to bond the metal to the things. Without quicksilver, neither silver nor brass can be effectively gilt. This is since the quicksilver helps to produce a strong bond in between the metal and the item, which is necessary for a successful gilding procedure. Quicksilver is also utilized in other procedures, such as in the production of particular medicines and in the manufacture of particular electrical parts. Quicksilver is a flexible and important aspect in numerous industries, and its use in the gilding process is simply one of its many applications.