Wragby Christmas Quiz Question No 13

[juliefer]

The question is 'a Roman mixture of vinegar, honey and salt was the first known example of what?'

The only thing I've been able to find that this mixture has been used for is an emetic. However, the real answer begins with a 'T' and is probably connected wiith Christmas.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[boxer]

I think this mixture is oxymeli and was used as a tonic.

[patsyann]

The answer is toothpaste according to:-

www.quizmk.co.uk/2003s/queste.pdf-supplemental

[biley]

That link doesn't work does it, patsyann? Can you confirm please.

[juliefer]

I've just Googled and you are right, boxer. Thanks to you and to patsyann. I had wondered about toothpaste but I could only find that the Romans used urine, sometimes with mice bones, as toothpaste! I don't even want to think about it!

[patsyann]

Biley I am sorry that I gave out wrong information.

Juliefer I also asked Google and came up with a definite answer of toothpaste on about the third page of the search and it was on the web site address that I gave you but that obviously doesnt work anymore.I presume the Question was asked in 2003.The ingredients were exactly as you asked.Definately no urine!!!

[juliefer]

I've found your site now, patsyann. It's

www.quizmk.co.uk/2003s (you may have to type it into Google)

This gives the index page. Click on 'Questions' on the left-hand side menu, then the quiz for 22.09.2003 and the information you found is at the bottom of page 2.

Thanks for that and you're right too. So it's just a case of choosing which answer to use - bit like the 'plashing' and 'Samaritan' questions.

Incidentally, if you try Googling 'Roman toothpaste' it comes up with the urine etc concoction. I definitely prefer the one you found.