How to Put Out a Fire, 12th century

manuscript illustration of three men calmly discussing fire at their feet Quick, the bran!

If a fire blazes up, it should be extinguished with sand and bran. If it blazes up further, put on sand soaked in urine.

Mappae clavicula (trans. Smith and Hawthorne)

Safety first: be sure to have plenty of sand and bran on hand for your next barbecue or naval battle. (The urine soaking is for when things get really scary.)

The Past recommends