Market bubbles have existed for as long as there have been markets. Examples of major bubbles can be seen throughout history. Holland in the 1630s experienced a bubble centred on the tulip market. Following their adoption by the European ruling classes as objects of desirability and good taste, tulips began to be seen as targets Continue Reading
A history of alcohol: gin
Classically, gin should be served with cubes of ice, a wedge of lime and tonic water. But where do the tonic and lime come from? Tonic contains quinine which has antimalarial properties and became an important mixer with gin for colonial British officers, initially in South Asia but also in Africa. Lime was originally added to gin to make lime juice more palatable, because it was a good countermeasure against scurvy.