/oss/taxonomy/term/836/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 /oss/article/food-health-you-asked/why-iodine-added-salt <p>When back in 1811 Bernard Courtois noticed the violet fumes produced when his seaweed extraction tank was being cleaned, he could have never dreamed that he had set the stage for one of the most important nutritional interventions in history. Let’s backtrack a little. Courtois owned a factory that produced potassium nitrate, better known as saltpetre. This substance was a major component of gunpowder and was in great demand by the military. One source of potassium nitrate was vegetable matter and Courtois had found that decaying seaweed fit the bill nicely.</p> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:16:11 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1777 at /oss