Thursday, September 19, 2013

How to Put Out a Fire, 12th century

Quick, the bran!
Madrid, Bib. Nac. Vitr. 26-2, f. 34vb (12th c.)
"If a fire blazes up, it should be extinguished with sand and bran. If it blazes up further, put on sand soaked in urine." 
Mappae clavicula (c. 12th century)
Safety first: be sure to have plenty of sand and bran on hand for your next barbecue or naval battle. (The urine soaking is for when things get really scary.)

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