The “Selters” clay jugs. The world-famous springs in Niederselters, Germany, gave their name to a whole category of sparkling mineral water. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this naturally carbonated, mineral-rich water was exported worldwide by the million as both a medicinal and a luxury beverage (e.g., Apollinaris). The stoneware jugs—handcrafted in the nearby Westerwald region—were shipped via the Netherlands in their millions (including for use as gin bottles). The invention of artificial, industrially produced soda water in the early 19th century (Jacob Schweppe Ltd.) marked the end of the stoneware jug era. Initially, only pointed-bottom bottles could withstand the high internal pressure of soda water; furthermore, this design kept the cork moist. The photograph illustrates the evolution from clay jugs to glass bottles.