Re: Quackery definition

I find the following more entertaining and likely valid:

Looking into the history of amalgams is most illuminating. In the 1830s there were two groups of dentists in America: those favoring mercury amalgams and those opposed to it. Those not in favor of amalgam -- the American Society of Dental Surgeons -- disliked amalgam's tendency to fracture teeth as it expanded in fillings. Nor were they happy with the idea of mercury's side effects, like insanity (Mad Hatter's Disease) and loss of motor function from nerve damage. (Bernard)

So the Society pledged never to use amalgam for fillings. (Lorscheider) The Society actually referred to those dentists who used mercury as 'quacks' -- short for quackenslaver, the German word for mercury. And that is the origin of this derogatory medical term. (Hansen, p. 40) The name of that other group, the one using mercury? The American Dental Association.

Found here.