Abstract: A method for the purification of gases containing mercury and simultaneous recovery of the mercury in metallic form by a process where primarily a reaction takes place between metallic vapory mercury and mercury (II)-chloride compounds in solution in a liquid phase, during which the formation and deposition of only slightly soluble Hg (I)-chloride (calomel) occur, the deposited calomel being oxidized to easily soluble Hg (II)-chloride compounds by the adding of chlorine, and metallic mercury and at least some of the chlorine used being recovered by electrolysis of said formed Hg(II)-chloride.