timf
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 posted on 22/10/04 at 01:07 PM |
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did you know
Historical information you need to know about .... Shipping Manure:
In the 16th and 17th centuries, 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 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 by-product 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," which has come down through the
Centuries and is in use to this very day.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/10/04 at 01:14 PM |
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This sound too much like the explanation often given for POSH - Port Out, Starboard Home - which were supposed to be the coolest side of the ships
goinf to and from India.
In other words, total b*ll*cks!
Late Update! look here
PS: If you like to know the origins of words, try this site -
http://www.worldwidewords.org/index.htm
rgds,
David
[Edited on 22/10/04 by David Jenkins]
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