/oss/taxonomy/term/835/all en /oss/article/history-you-asked/what-saltpeter-used-and-it-true-it-reduces-certain-carnal-urges <p>The second part of the question is easy to answer.  “Saltpetre,” (the term refers either to potassium or sodium nitrate) has no effect on carnal urges.  The story that this chemical was put into soldiers’ food to decrease their sex drive is a total myth.</p> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:35:16 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1851 at /oss