In order to keep my government grant money, I have to from time to time perform public services through the venue of this blog.
As such, here’s some information that you should know that was emailed to me by a friend:
Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer’s invention, so large shipments of manure were common.
It was shipped dry, because in dry form it 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 byproduct 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, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term ‘Ship High In Transit’ on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off 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 term ‘S.H.I.T’ (Ship High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
Consider yourself schooled. Where’s my check?
Update: FYI, the same friend sent this link later. Woe is me. Who can I trust? Once again it’s readily apparent that my friends have way too much time on their hands.