THE “GRANDMOTHER” OF COCA COLA. https://spiritschweppes.com Until the end of the 19th century, German mineral fountains were export world champions in the worldwide shipping of natural mineral water. An army of regional potters in the Rhein / Lahn / Mosel area turned stoneware jugs in millions of copies. Both for the domestic “Selters” brands, as well as for the Dutch gin producers. But Joseph Priestley and Antoine de Lavoisier discovered the artificial production of carbon dioxide at the end of the 18th century. In 1783, the German Jacob Schweppe patented the “Geneva principle” in Switzerland, the serial production of artificial mineral water using compressor technology. In 1792 he went to England with it. The British Empires worldwide naval power had the greatest need for “acid” mineral water. Because instead of the sterilizing mixture with alcohol, it could ensure a germ-free water supply on months-long sea voyages. For this purpose, J.Schweppe & Co. produced ca. since 1800 eggshaped bottles made of earthenware and glass with a pointed bottom. It was used to derive the internal pressure. Because artificial “soda” water had multiple pressures as natural mineral water. In addition, the lying bottle kept the natural cork moist and therefore tight. The “plop” when opening was the proof for refreshing water enjoyment. At the first Great Exhibition https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Exhibition in London1851, alcohol was prohibited as a precaution. J.Schweppe & Co. was the sole supplier of a non-alcoholic “soft” drink. Over 6 million visitors refreshed themselves with it and made Jacob Schweppes eggbottle worldwide the “mother” of Coca Colas hobble skirt from 1915.