This podcast episode explores the fascinating history of the impact of malaria and the race to establish quinine plantations. It highlights the story of Suclemons Markham's adventurous mission to collect seeds from South America. Additionally, it delves into the history and meaning of gin and tonic, from its origins to its global popularity. The podcast also discusses the evolution of the podcast and television series about stolen artifacts, emphasizing the importance of finding small entry points to larger topics.
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Quick takeaways
The British Empire's race to obtain the Cinchona bark highlights the clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge in the global trade of quinine.
The theft of the Cinchona tree for its valuable bark underscores the ongoing legacy of the British Empire and its profound cultural impact on the production of tonic drinks like gin and tonic.
Deep dives
The Story of Stolen Cinchona Tree and Quinine
This podcast episode delves into the captivating history of the Cinchona tree and its bark, which contains quinine, a key substance used in treating malaria. The episode explores how the British Empire, driven by the need to protect their troops from malaria, sought to obtain the valuable Cinchona bark. The story involves a race between British and Dutch expeditions, with individuals like Suclemons Markham and Charles Ledger playing pivotal roles in collecting and transporting valuable seeds. The episode highlights the clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge, as well as the long-lasting impact of colonialism on the global trade and availability of quinine.
The Complexity of British Empire Theft
Stuff the British Stole, a podcast that explores artifacts stolen by the British Empire, takes a slightly different route in this episode. It focuses on the theft of the Cinchona tree and its essential bark, which is used to produce tonic for drinks like gin and tonic. The story connects the global smuggling empire of Cinchona bark with the impact of colonialism and empire building. It showcases the clash between traditional practices and capitalist exploitation, as well as the significant influence of the British Empire. The episode emphasizes the ongoing legacy of the British Empire and its profound cultural impact that extends to various aspects of our lives today.
The Intriguing Stories of Stolen Objects
This diverse episode of Stuff the British Stole delves into several fascinating stories of stolen objects. It covers a wide range of artifacts and narratives, including the mummified head of an Egyptian, the theft of the number zero from South Asia, the tragic story of an Ethiopian prince adopted by Queen Victoria, and the complex truth behind the Pocahontas legend. The episode promises an exploration of lesser-known histories, drawing from voices across the US and Canada, and providing a fresh perspective on these captivating stories of theft and empire.
The Personal Connections to Empire and Theft
Mark Finnell, the creator and host of Stuff the British Stole, engages in conversations and experiences that connect the broader themes of empire and theft to the personal level. By interacting with people like bartenders, geneticists, and researchers, he explores stolen objects and their impact on daily life. This approach grounds the discussion in relatable experiences, allowing listeners to see how the legacy of the British Empire continues to influence and shape the world we live in today.
Most heists target gold, jewels or cash. This one targeted illegal seeds. As the British established their sprawling empire across the subcontinent and beyond, they encountered a formidable adversary — malaria. There was a cure — the bark of the Andean cinchona tree. The only problem? The Dutch and the French were also looking to corner the market in cinchona. And the trees themselves were under threat.
This week on 99pi, we feature a story from Stuff the British Stole, a co-production of ABC Australia and CBC Podcasts. So "grab a gin and tonic and come with us to hear how a botanical empire took off — and gave birth to a quintessential cocktail."
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