M13KYF Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 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 by pro duct 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 Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 is it true or are you just taking the p.i.s.s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prescience Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 Good story but ballcocks - origins of the word are much earlier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.