What was lithium originally used for?

Lithium was first used in the 19th century as a treatment for gout after scientists discovered that, at least in the laboratory, lithium could dissolve uric acid crystals isolated from the kidneys. The levels of lithium needed to dissolve urate in the body, however, were toxic.

When was lithium first used?

It was first used for mania in the late 1800s, with Denmark leading the way, but little was published about the medication for more than half a century. It was Australian psychiatrist John Cade who, in 1949, published one of the first papers on the use of lithium in the treatment of acute mania.

Who was the first person to discover lithium?

While its use in psychiatry dates to the mid-19th century, the widespread discovery of lithium is usually credited to Australian psychiatrist John Cade who introduced it for mania in 1949.

How was lithium discovered as a drug?

Some 70 years ago, John Cade, an Australian psychiatrist, discovered a medication for bipolar disorder that helped many patients to regain stability swiftly. Lithium is now the standard treatment for the condition, and one of the most consistently effective medicines in psychiatry.

What are 3 interesting facts about lithium?

Interesting Facts about Lithium

  • Although it is a metal, it is soft enough to cut with a knife.
  • It is so light it can float on water.
  • Lithium fires are difficult to put out.
  • Along with hydrogen and helium, lithium was one of the three elements produced in large quantities by the Big Bang.

Why is lithium controversial?

Since its introduction, the prescription of lithium has grown increasingly controversial due to reports of poisoning, memory loss, and the drug having a “lobotomizing effect” on patients.

Why is lithium so special?

Lithium is a special metal in many ways. It’s light and soft — so soft that it can be cut with a kitchen knife and so low in density that it floats on water. It’s also solid at a wide range of temperatures, with one of the lowest melting points of all metals and a high boiling point.

Can lithium be cut with a knife?

Metals, such as Lithium, Sodium and Potassium can be cut with a knife as they are very soft compared to other metals.

Why is lithium not commonly used?

The most common side effects of lithium are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth. Your doctor will carry out regular blood tests to check how much lithium is in your blood. The results will be recorded in your lithium record book.

What country has most lithium?

Chile
Where is lithium available from? With 8 million tons, Chile has the world’s largest known lithium reserves. This puts the South American country ahead of Australia (2.7 million tons), Argentina (2 million tons) and China (1 million tons).

Why is lithium stored in oil?

Hint: Sodium, potassium, and lithium can lose electrons easily. Sodium, potassium, and lithium can react easily with the gases present in the air or with the moisture. The oil prevents the reaction of alkali metals with air and moisture.

Which is hardest non-metal known?

Diamond (Carbon)
Diamond (Carbon) is a non-metal which is the hardest naturally occurring substance.