Berfday!

Happy birthday, lemuriapress! For your present, here's today's Forgotten English (© Jeffrey Kacirk):

Adam's wine

A cant phrase for water as a beverage, our first father being supposed to have known nothing more powerful.

—John Jamieson's Etymological Scottish Dictionary, 1808

Water Water Everywhere

One hundred fifty years ago today, the first public drinking fountain — a miniature pillared archway with the chiseled inscription, "Replace the cup," — was installed in London by the newly formed Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association. The idea and money for this reddish granite landmark came from Samuel Gurney, a well-known member of Parliament who was born into a family of Quaker philanthropists and bankers. Though relocated in 1867, the ornate fountain was returned to its original location at St. Sepulchre's Church on Newgate Street in 1913, where it remains today, still accompanied by its two metal drinking cups. The MFDFA went on to introduce here and there around London hundreds of public fountains, as well as water troughs for dogs, horses, and even cattle on their way to market. The association survives today, providing new fountains for schools and restoring the city's aging fountains.

They should do something more useful, like join the Royal Society for Putting Things On Top of Other Things.

-The Gneech

PS: Bonus! From softpaw...

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