Page "James Lind" Paragraph 9

In the 18th century sailors took along water, cordial and milk in casks.

According to the Regulations and Instructions relating to His Majesty's Service at Sea, which had been published for the first time in 1733 by the Admiralty, sailors were entitled to a gallon of weak beer daily ( 5 / 6 of the usual British gallon, equivalent to the modern American gallon or slightly more than three and a half litres ).

As the beer had been boiled in the brewing process it was reasonably free from bacteria and lasted for months unlike water kept in a cask for the same time.

In the Mediterranean, wine was also issued, often fortified with brandy.