u don't have to flick the thermometer to reset the temperature
reading when you use an alcohol based thermometer (unlike a mercury
thermometer where you have to flick and flick and flick flick flick
that thermometer for the mercury to be reset so that you can make
an accurate reading) a disadvantage is that the alcohol thermometer
is slightly less acurate The biggest advantage is that alcohol is
not nearly as toxic as mercury, so that if the thermometer breaks,
you won't be poisoned.