Publication Title

Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient

Flakes of sea salt spilling out of a jar

A Grain of Solar-Made Sea Salt

Artisanal sea salt makers are reviving the ancient method of sustainably harvesting salt.

Drinking Wine in Ancient China

History tells us that the fermentation of various fruits and grains to create alcoholic beverages was a worldwide phenomenon. Case in point: wine in China.

Editors' Picks

Education & Society

Gay Culture: Ancient Wonder or Modern Creation?

Even at more open-minded times, gays and gay culture is always seen as a frivolous—a decorative, added bonus of civilization.

Science & Technology

How Poison Ivy Works

Where poison ivy comes from, why it gives some people such terrible reactions, and why—unfortunately for hikers and gardeners—its future is bright.

Business & Economics

Selling the Men’s Wedding Ring

How changing mores, cultural pressures, and, yes, the jewelry industry made two-ring wedding ceremonies the norm in America.

Arts & Culture

They’re Here, They’re Genderqueer, Get Used to Gender Neutral Pronouns

Ongoing study and debate about gender neutral pronouns.

Politics & History

Celebrating Immigration on the Fourth of July

For many immigrants to the U.S. in the late 19th century, July 4th was deeply significant: Their own home countries were fighting for independence.