On Mon, 9 Jun 2003 13:50:56 -0400, gts <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>
snip
 Food and drink
> that
> contained a bit of alcohol were less likely to spread bacteria and
> disease,
> giving an evolutionary advantage to paleolithic humans who were adapted
> to
> alcohol.

Evolutionary disadvantage. Bacteria are good for us. Excess alcohol is an
antibiotic.
>
> This same principle was later used consciously by sailors: the sailor's
> drink known as "grog" was a mildly alcoholic drink designed to help
> prevent
> the spread of disease aboard sailing ships.
snip

It was maybe more likely designed to prevent the spread of mutiny.


William



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