Traditionally, the study of man has been based on the study of his tools and artifacts, ideas and religion. It has failed to take into account items essential to man's survival. Such an item is Salt, neglected almost totally by both historians and archaeologists.

With the introduction of refrigeration approx a century ago it was no longer necessary to salt meat [protein diet] Certain communities still salt their meat such as Jews and Moslems, but only as habit or ritual, and then only as a token to the past necessity to dehydrate the meat.