- Nov 11, 2009
- 31,172
@tallen702 recommended a book to me: Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky, and it came as an awakening to me to realise the surprising value of salt in a pre-refrigeration economy. After all, who thinks about something so commonplace and easily come by?
Nevertheless, it has throughout history been a necessity, the production and control of which has made fortunes, been controlled by kings, and promoted trade.
Being able to provide a constant supply of salt, one would be able to preserve vegetables and meats, hides, fish -- all manner of necessities in a time when refrigeration will be dependent on availability and storage of ice, and perishable foodstuff preservation becomes a matter of life or death.
Something to think about? Anyway, an interesting book; so far I'm only halfway thru its 450+ pages. Amazon has copies.
Nevertheless, it has throughout history been a necessity, the production and control of which has made fortunes, been controlled by kings, and promoted trade.
Being able to provide a constant supply of salt, one would be able to preserve vegetables and meats, hides, fish -- all manner of necessities in a time when refrigeration will be dependent on availability and storage of ice, and perishable foodstuff preservation becomes a matter of life or death.
Something to think about? Anyway, an interesting book; so far I'm only halfway thru its 450+ pages. Amazon has copies.