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 claim that kerosene saved sperm whales from extinction is a myth. While kerosene replaced sperm whale oil in lamps and other applications, this shift occurred after whale populations had already drastically declined due to overhunting. The demand for whale oil, not its eventual replacement, drove whalers to hunt sperm whales to near-extinction. Kerosene's rise simply made continued whaling less profitable, not less damaging up to that point. The article emphasizes that technological replacements rarely save endangered species; rather, conservation efforts are crucial.
HN users generally agree with the author's debunking of the "kerosene saved the sperm whales" myth. Several commenters provide further details on whale oil uses beyond lighting, such as lubricants and industrial processes, reinforcing the idea that declining demand was more complex than a single replacement. Some discuss the impact of petroleum on other industries and the historical context of resource transitions. A few express appreciation for the well-researched article and the author's clear writing style, while others point to additional resources and related historical narratives, including the history of whaling and the environmental impacts of different industries. A small side discussion touches on the difficulty of predicting technological advancements and their impact on existing markets.
Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
Sailors, including pirates and privateers, were highly superstitious due to the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the sea. They believed in a variety of omens and rituals to appease the sea and ensure good fortune. These included avoiding whistling aboard ship (believed to summon storms), respecting certain creatures like dolphins and albatrosses, and performing specific actions on certain days, such as not sailing on a Friday. Many superstitions arose from practical concerns, like the prohibition against red clothing due to its similarity to the color of blood, which could demoralize the crew. These beliefs and practices, while seemingly irrational, provided a sense of control and order in a chaotic environment.
HN users discuss the practicality of some of the superstitions mentioned in the article, like avoiding whistling at sea (could be mistaken for piped orders) and not setting sail on a Friday (historically a common day for executions, making crews uneasy). Some commenters share additional maritime superstitions, including ones about bananas, redheads, and sharks following a ship. Several recall personal experiences or anecdotes related to seafaring superstitions, highlighting their enduring presence in nautical culture, even if not always taken seriously. The role of superstition in creating a sense of shared experience and camaraderie among sailors is also touched upon.
Divers off the coast of Spain have recovered remnants of a Phoenician shipwreck dating back approximately 2,600 years. The vessel, discovered near Mazarrón, carried ingots of tin likely originating from the Iberian Peninsula or even Cornwall, suggesting extensive trade networks during the 7th century B.C. Researchers believe the ship sank during a storm while en route to Cadiz, where the tin would have been exchanged for other valuable goods. The recovered artifacts, including the remarkably well-preserved tin ingots marked with Phoenician script, offer valuable insight into ancient maritime trade and shipbuilding practices.
Hacker News users discuss the exciting discovery of the 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck. Some express amazement at the preservation of the ship after so long underwater, particularly the survival of organic materials like wood. Several commenters delve into the historical significance of the find, highlighting the Phoenicians' extensive maritime trade network and the potential for this wreck to offer new insights into their seafaring technology and trade practices. One user questions the description of the ship as "Phoenician," pointing out the complexities of assigning a distinct national identity to ancient Mediterranean peoples. Others discuss the legal and ethical aspects of recovering artifacts from shipwrecks, and the challenges of preserving them. Several share additional resources, including links to documentaries about ancient shipwrecks and information about other Phoenician archaeological finds.
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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.