Replies

Aqua vitae (Latin) and Uisce Beatha (Gaelic, pronounced approximately WISH-ka BA-ha, the “t” being silent that context, in modern Gaelic at least), both translate “water of life”, it’s true. Uisce Beahta got anglicized to Whiskebaugh, which eventually became Whiskey.

However, it’s a mistake to assume that just because something has a Latin name, that it’s of Roman vintage. For many centuries afterward, all clergy and most educated people learned Latin regardless of their native language. So when something new was introduced from a foreign land, the Latin name was often the first one given it.

Alcohol distillation was discovered by medieval Arab alchemists. Yes, alchemy and alchemist, root of “chemistry”, are Arabic words too.. along with algebra, algorithm, alembic (the old word for still), and a few other scientific words. (Islam didn’t ALWAYS make people stupid). The Arabs regarded al-kohol as a medicine; perhaps the medicinal excuse was just a clever way around the ban on liquor (cf WC Fields), or perhaps, in the days of universal bad water and no effective wound-antiseptics, their assessment was not so far off. I don’t know how it got to the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland but they sure ran with it. (Linguistic note; al- is “the” in Arabic, which is why so many Arabic loanwords begin in al-).

You’re probably wondering how I know all this arcane garbage. My ancestry is mostly Irish and Scottish, I studied Gaelic for 2 years, I made moonshine in my garage as a teenager, and I have Ph.D. in chemistry. However, I’m not a whisky drinker.... 12 or 14 generations ago, my direct male line ancestor was a Huguenot, which may explain my preference for Cabernet Sauvignon!

I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Arabic inventions came about by Jews. The Jews were dispersed thoughout the world. When some came back to Israel to build the temple it was only a small remnant of all the Jews out there that came back. Many stayed and many migrated to different parts of the world. Knowing the inventiveness of Jews (the small country has many patent and inventions today) they probably are behind much of their boast of accomplishments. _____________________________________________________

http://www.masada2000.org/israel-stats.html

Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people -- as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.

In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the US (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).

Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US. Israel with 7 million people attracted $2 billion in venture capital in 2008, as much venture capital that flowed in the United Kingdom with 61 million people, and as much that flowed into Germany and France with 145 million people.

Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.

Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK..............

_____________________________________________

Est 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.