Vintage Russian Glass Open Salt with splendid enamel base, glass liner and cute little spooс С белой полоской Here is an exceptional example of old enamel open salt with spoon. The open salt has 1 1/2 inch. diameter and 1 1/2 inch. tall. The spoon is 1 1/2 inch. long. The simple history of salt Use of salt is as old as an art of cooking is. Humans started harvesting salt in 6000 BC in China. The history of salt is simple. Animals created trails to salt licks and men followed. Trails developed into roads and settlements were created nearby. When we settled for farming, even more, salt was required to supplement our diet. Salt became one of the most traded commodities. Salt’s ability to preserve food was a significant contributor to the development of civilization. Salt eliminated dependence on seasonal food and enable food transportation over long distances. Until the invention of refrigerators salt was one of the most effective food preservatives. In ancient times salt was a currency, a reason to start a war and opportunity to get extremely rich. For Romans salt was so valuable, that event soldiers of imperial legions were paid with salt. The English word for “salary” is derived from the Latin word “salarium”, meaning monthly allowance to buy salt. Venice built its wealth by trading salt for spices. They would bring salt to Constantinople and exchange it for spices. Salt solidified or destroyed power of governments. Chinese emperors realized salt can be used as a leverage to control population. In fact, salt was one of the seven necessities of life in China. French were forced to buy all their salt from royal deposits. The gabelle or salt tax was established in mid 14th century and was abolished only in 1946! In the American war of Independence American government would often pay soldiers in salt. Thomas Jefferson in his address to Congress mentioned a supposed mountain of salt near the Missouri river as a reason for Lewis and Clarke's expedition. During the American Civil war, both sides tried to gain control over salt sources. For example, the Union forces fought a 36-hour battle to capture Saltville, Virginia, because of its salt plant. Salt is a source of sodium which is essential for our bodies. Sodium is required for our nerves and muscles to function. It also plays a role in the control of blood pressure and volume. Our bodies crave salt.