99% Invisible – 558- The Fever Tree Hunt

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible” titled “558- The Fever Tree Hunt,” the podcast explores the story of a rare tree native to Peru and its connection to the British Empire’s fight against malaria. The episode delves into the history of the tree, the race to obtain its seeds, and the impact it had on the production of quinine, a key ingredient in tonic water. Through this captivating narrative, the podcast highlights the complex relationship between empire-building, thievery, and the global trade of valuable resources.

Main Takeaways

The Fever Tree and Tonic Water

• The bark of a rare tree native to Peru is used to make tonic water.
• Quinine, derived from the bark, was traditionally used to treat malaria.
• Gin and tonic became popular due to the British Empire’s use of quinine as a tonic.
• Tonic water has a bitter taste due to the bark’s properties.

The Race for Quinine Seeds

• Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador had a comparative advantage in quinine production.
• The British, French, and Dutch sent expeditions to South America to obtain quinine seeds.
• Clements Markham led the British expedition to Peru and successfully obtained the seeds.
• Charles Ledger, a tradesman, obtained quinine seeds from Bolivia.

The Impact of the Dutch and British

• The Dutch controlled 90% of cinchona production and exports.
• The British Empire’s fight against malaria was crucial for maintaining its military strength.
• The theft of cinchona seeds was both lucrative and a humanitarian endeavor.
• The fear of over-harvesting cinchona trees and its impact on alkaloid levels.

The Legacy of the British Empire

• The British Empire’s cultural impact is bigger than its landmass.
• The clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge.
• The podcast series “Stuff the British Stole” covers a wide range of stolen objects.
• The legacy of the British Empire continues to shape the world today.

Summary

The Fever Tree and the Race for Quinine Seeds

The episode explores the story of a rare tree native to Peru, whose bark is used to make tonic water. Quinine, derived from the bark, played a vital role in the British Empire’s fight against malaria. Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador had a comparative advantage in quinine production, leading to a race among the British, French, and Dutch to obtain quinine seeds. Clements Markham successfully led the British expedition to Peru, while Charles Ledger obtained seeds from Bolivia. The Dutch ultimately controlled the majority of cinchona production and exports.

The Impact and Legacy of the British Empire

The theft of cinchona seeds was both a lucrative endeavor and a humanitarian effort to combat malaria. The British Empire’s fight against malaria was crucial for maintaining its military strength, especially in India. The clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge is evident in the story, as the commercialization of valuable resources often disregards sustainable practices. The podcast series “Stuff the British Stole” delves into various stolen objects, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the British Empire’s actions. The legacy of the empire continues to shape the world today, both culturally and politically.

Conclusion

Through the captivating story of the fever tree and the race for quinine seeds, “99% Invisible” sheds light on the complex dynamics of empire-building, thievery, and the global trade of valuable resources. The podcast highlights the enduring legacy of the British Empire and its profound impact on the world we live in today. From the production of tonic water to the clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of history and its ongoing significance.