The podcast explores the origins of carbonated drinks and the pioneering work of Joseph Priestley. It discusses the advancements in carbonating water in the 18th century and the rise of carbonated beverages. The hosts also delve into Schweppe's challenges and expansion, including his efforts to expand in the British market and the power struggles among the partners. They discuss the various types of carbonated water produced by Schweppe, the introduction of tonic water, and the company's expansion into the U.S. market.
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Quick takeaways
Johann Jacob Schweppe successfully established a company selling carbonated water, overcoming early setbacks and gaining widespread recognition.
Schweppe's company expanded into the US market, offering various flavored syrups and beverages, and remains popular worldwide.
Deep dives
The Invention of Carbonated Water: From Priestley to Schveppes
Jakub Schvepa, a jeweler and watchmaker, embarked on experiments with carbonated water in the late 18th century. Building on the work of Joseph Priestley and others, Schvepa developed an automated carbonation device known as the Geneva system. He started giving away carbonated water and later established J. Schvepa and Company, selling it full time. Schvepa faced challenges with his partners and moved to London to expand into the British market. Despite initial difficulties, he garnered endorsements and interest from leading physicians, establishing a successful business. Schvepa's company, later known as Schwep's, thrived and expanded into the US market, offering a variety of flavored syrups and beverages. Ownership of Schwep's has since changed hands, but the brand remains popular worldwide.
The Greenish Shark and its Long Lifespan
Foster points out the absence of Greenland sharks in the episode on very old animals. These sharks are believed to have a lifespan of over 500 years and reach sexual maturity at around 100 years. They have an astonishing gestation period of eight to 18 years. While there may not be many historical stories about Greenland sharks, they are indeed fascinating creatures due to their extreme longevity.
Listener Mail and Adorable Cat Photos
Foster shares photos of their two new cats, Sanjay and Georgie, who were adopted from a local shelter. Sanjay enjoys sleeping like a passed-out drunkard, while Georgie loves to climb. Foster's wife has been volunteering at the shelter and finally got to bring home their own cat companions. Foster expresses appreciation for the podcast and shares the joy of owning these adorable feline friends.
The desire to replicate natural effervescence led a lot of people to try to figure out how to carbonate water. But Jacob Schweppe was able to achieve brand recognition and establish a company that has endured despite early setbacks.
Research:
Burros, Marian. “Carbonated Water: More Than a Matter of Taste.” New York Times. April 27, 1983. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/27/garden/carbonated-water-more-than-a-matter-of-taste.html
Donovan, Tristan. “Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the World.” Chicago Review Press. 2013.
Simmons, Douglas A. “Schweppes: The First 200 Years.” Acropolis Books. 1983.
“Joseph Priestley.” Science History Institute Museum and Library. https://www.chemheritage.org/education/scientific-biographies/joseph-priestley/
Laskow, Sarah. “The Great Soda-water Shake Up.” The Atlantic. Oct. 1, 2014. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/10/the-great-soda-water-shake-up/380932/
McCloughlin, Thomas. “Lost and Found: The Nooth Aparatus.” Volume 45, Issues 1–2. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endeavour.2021.100763
McEvoy, John G.. "Joseph Priestley". Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Priestley
Priestley, Joseph. “Directions for impregnating water with fixed air : in order to communicate to it the peculiar spirit and virtues of Pyrmont water, and other mineral waters of a similar nature.” London : Printed for J. Johnson, No. 72, in St. Paul's Church-Yard. 1772. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/b30364978/page/10/mode/2up
Schwarcz, Joe, PhD. “The Origins of Soda Water.” McGill Office for Science and Society. May 15, 2018. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history/origins-soda-water
Sharp, Ari. “Schweppes Sold for $1.2 bn.” The Sydney Morning Herald. 26, 2008. https://www.smh.com.au/business/schweppes-sold-for-12bn-20081225-7558.html
Zuck, D.”Dr. Nooth and His Apparatus.” British Journal of Anaesthesia. 1978. Vol. 50. https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(17)45198-1/pdf