In the Age of Sail, beer was a crucial provision aboard ships, offering a safe and nutritious alternative to potentially contaminated water. Brewed with a high alcohol content and hopped for preservation, it could last for months at sea, preventing scurvy and providing vital calories. While officers often enjoyed wine and spirits, beer was the everyday beverage for sailors, issued in daily rations and contributing significantly to morale. Records from the USS Constitution illustrate the logistics and importance of beer in naval operations, showing how large quantities were purchased, stored, and distributed to the crew. The practice eventually declined with improvements in water purification and the rise of temperance movements.
The Tontine Coffee-House blog post details the history and inspiration behind its name, referencing the original Tontine Coffee-House established in 1792 as a hub for merchants, politicians, and underwriters in early New York City. It highlights the coffee-house's role as a center for news dissemination, business dealings, and social connection, emphasizing its vibrant atmosphere fostered by lively debate and information exchange. The blog's founders aimed to recapture this spirit of open discourse and intellectual engagement in the online realm, creating a platform for diverse perspectives on financial markets and economics. They specifically mention the goal of providing a space where professional investors and armchair enthusiasts alike could engage in constructive discussions without the restrictions often found in more formal settings.
Hacker News users discussed the history of the Tontine Coffee House and its role as an early "stock exchange." Some highlighted the building's later use as a customs house, emphasizing the changing nature of New York's financial center. Commenters debated the practicality and fairness of tontine schemes, with some drawing parallels to modern investment practices. Several comments pointed out the importance of social connections and physical spaces in early financial markets, contrasting the face-to-face interactions of the Tontine with today's electronic exchanges. The building's architecture and location were also topics of discussion, with some users lamenting its demolition. Finally, the etymology of "tontine" and its usage in different contexts were briefly explored.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43769289
Commenters on Hacker News largely discuss the historical accuracy and practicality of beer as a staple drink on sailing vessels. Several point out the importance of beer as a safe beverage alternative to potentially contaminated water, emphasizing its role in preventing scurvy via its small vitamin C content (though not enough for full prevention) and its boiling process which killed harmful bacteria. Some commenters debate the alcoholic content of these historical beers, suggesting they were likely "small beer" with a lower ABV, making them more hydrating than modern-day equivalents. Others discuss the logistics of storage and preservation, such as the use of tightly sealed barrels to prevent spoilage. A few comments also touch upon the cultural significance of beer rations and their importance for morale amongst sailors.
The Hacker News post titled "Beer on Board in the Age of Sail (2017)" has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the topic. Several commenters focus on the historical context of beer as a safe beverage compared to water during the age of sail, elaborating on how water storage methods of the time often led to contamination. They explain that the brewing process made beer a safer alternative, preventing illness and contributing to the health of sailors on long voyages.
Some comments delve into the specific types of beer consumed by sailors, mentioning "small beer," a lower-alcohol brew, and its importance for hydration and morale. They discuss the role of the purser in managing the ship's beer supply and the potential consequences of running out. One commenter highlights the British Navy's tradition of providing a daily beer ration, emphasizing its significance in maintaining discipline and preventing mutiny.
Another thread of discussion centers on the challenges of brewing beer at sea, touching upon the difficulties of storing ingredients and the potential for spoilage in the ship's hold. A few comments explore the historical accounts of sailors' resourcefulness in preserving and rationing their beer supplies, painting a picture of life at sea during that era.
Furthermore, the comments touch upon the cultural and social aspects of beer consumption within the naval context. One comment mentions the link between beer rations and the work sailors performed, emphasizing the role of alcohol as a form of payment or reward. Others mention "grog," a mixture of rum and water, and its eventual replacement of beer in the Royal Navy. A commenter also contrasts the prevalence of beer in the British Navy with the preference for wine in other navies, such as the French.
Finally, some comments offer additional information and resources related to the topic, including links to other articles and books on maritime history. Overall, the comments provide a rich and insightful discussion of the role of beer in the age of sail, expanding upon the details mentioned in the original blog post.