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Undetermined day or month, 1809
- waters of Virginia -

Learn & Lather!

Scurvy, a disease caused by the lack of vitamin C, was responsible for the deaths of many early sailors. In 1809, Dr. William Barton battled the illness aboard the frigate United States with a lemon-lime ration. The results were most effective.

Not the best planned...

...trip. While getting on the ship worked out okay, getting off and back to Mr. Franklin presented quite a challenge (climbing down a rope in the dark of night into a black abyss was beyond terrifying)

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Key (borrowed) – a torn page from Dr. Barton’s journal, 1809.

 

Arrival – Late afternoon, appeared to be close to sunset, the weather was nice, the water was calm, and I assumed it to be late summer. Prior to our departure (since I knew our arrival would likely be on the ocean), Mr. Franklin had been covered and secured to a reflective raft. Upon arrival, which was indeed on the water, I stepped out from underneath Mr. Franklin’s cover and attached the raft to the frigate's ladder (thankfully we were close enough to do so). I then stood atop Mr. Franklin, maneuvered myself to the ladder, and climbed aboard. 

 

Scent/s – After sunset. Once on deck, the crew quickly gathered around me. I feigned amnesia and claimed to have been caught in the ship's ladder after falling overboard. One sailor laughed and said I must be a "lubber" (meaning an inexperienced sailor). I was then taken to see Dr. Barton who asked me countless questions and gave me a thorough examination. Before returning me to "my duties," Dr. Barton prepared a concoction of lemon and lime juice, which I was told would prevent scurvy. The liquid's fragrance reminded me of a sunny, warm island, so I did not hesitate to drink it. As a ploy to capture the uplifting scent, I told the doctor that I was a bit queasy and asked if I could continue to rest for a few minutes more. He agreed, poured me a cup of ginger tea, and left the room. Interestingly, the aroma of ginger merged with the lemon and lime, and created a smell more akin to a mixed cocktail; a scent that was most appealing.  [ Custom-coated fabric (SX1) collected the scent in 4 minutes, 12 seconds (conditions: cool and damp). ]

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Header Image from Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a04098/

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