by changes in surface tension, it is very similar in mechanism to other chemical oscillators such as the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, which has several intermediate redox reactions driven by the oxidation of malate by bromine. History The mercury beating heart was first observed in the year 1800 by Alessandro Volta and William Henry. The chemical phenomenon in the form best known today was first described by German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, the discoverer of caffeine. See also Simple classroom demonstrations: Chemical garden - Barking dog reaction - blue bottle reaction Chemical oscillator References External links Mercury (element) Electrochemistry Chemistry classroom experiments Articles containing video clips