talking sh*t
Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 7:33 pm
Exciting Historical information you need to know!
SHIPPING MANURE IN THE 16TH & 17TH CENTURIES
At that time everything had to be transported by ship. It was also before commercial fertilizer’s invention, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form in weighed a lot less than when wet. But once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-produce is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could and did happen. Methane began to build up below decks, and the first time someone came below at night, with a lantern, BOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening. After that, the bundles were shipped with the term “Ship High In Transit” on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough above the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the abbreviation S. H. I. T., which has come down through the centuries and is still in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I. I always thought it was a golf term.
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Just thought I'd share some knowledge :) . I received this through email from my parents of all people...
SHIPPING MANURE IN THE 16TH & 17TH CENTURIES
At that time everything had to be transported by ship. It was also before commercial fertilizer’s invention, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form in weighed a lot less than when wet. But once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-produce is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could and did happen. Methane began to build up below decks, and the first time someone came below at night, with a lantern, BOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening. After that, the bundles were shipped with the term “Ship High In Transit” on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough above the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the abbreviation S. H. I. T., which has come down through the centuries and is still in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I. I always thought it was a golf term.
********
Just thought I'd share some knowledge :) . I received this through email from my parents of all people...