From Newsgroup: alt.politics.usa
https://scitechdaily.com/ancient-romans-were-obsessed-with-this-remarkable-herb-then-it-vanished-forever/
Silphium was an extinct Libyan plant renowned for
contraception, medicine, and trade. Its disappearance
remains a historical mystery, and scientists continue
searching for surviving descendants.
Roman leader Julius Caesar is said to have kept a stock
of it in the treasury. Ancient writer Pliny the Elder
says RomerCOs Emperor Nero owned the last stalk of it.
. . .
Kinda rad.
Humans ARE horny though ...
We usually think of animals becoming extinct due
to human activity - but SOME veggies have apparently
paid the price as well.
Why not grow MORE while it still existed ? Well,
that'd push down the PRICE. Keep it rare and in
"elite" circles and you'd make a fortune.
IF even a slight sample can be found however,
it MIGHT be something that can be genetically
reconstructed. SOMEWHERE there's a little jar
or seed. A non-hormonal contraceptive could
make mass money NOW too.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2