Interesting observations, Jon.
I agree it can be fun to speculate. Mercury exposure, for instance, can cause edema of the feet. Would that lead one to select shoes larger than normally worn? A shoe of a size larger than what is believed to be AE's size was found at the Aukaraime South site. Mercury exposure can cause gastric problems. A cap for a 1930s acidosis medication, Alka Zane (or perhaps a laxative), was found at the same site. The list could grow but conclusions would always be elusive, and the more one grows it, the shakier the propositions become.
The type of mercury in Dr. Berry's Freckle Ointment was ammoniated mercury, an inorganic form. While arguably less toxic than organic forms, due to its lower lipid solubility, chronic mercury toxicity would result from long term use and all exposures are bad.
I was reviewing the lab reports in our paper just last night. I'm thinking there may have been another source of toxicity in the jar that may have been even worse than the mercury. I'm wondering if anyone can guess what that is by reviewing the report... Extra credit goes to anyone who can add what recent comment on the forum caused me to see this source in a new light.
BTW, I don't see evidence AE's mercury exposure, if indeed she had this, had progressed to brain symptoms. In my opinion (and that of a 747 pilot with whom I spoke), Earhart was handling the aircraft with a good degree of coordination and skill, especially during the later stages flying over monsoon areas. Mercury affects coordination along with the central nervous system, so if the symptoms had been that severe, it's unlikely, in my opinion, she could have gone as far around the world as she did.
Joe Cerniglia
TIGHAR 3078ER