emily, they do still make mercury thermometers. U can buy them at a pharmacy, sometimes you can find them in retail stores, like walmart. Personally, I think they are more accurate than digital. I have a digital, glass mercury, and an ear thermometer (which is actually the most inaccurate).
I have broken my share of mercury themometers. Shaking the temp down and my butterfingers let it go...flying into the wall and busting. I have never called hazmat or anyone. I just get the vaccuum cleaner and suck it up. No chasing, no touching, no glass cutting....just sucked up and cleaned up. I never played with it, but I know a few ppl who did...they are still living.
I think dyza is right, it's not pure mercury. It would be too dangerous to sale.