[originaltext] We do not know when man first begin to use salt, but we do kno

We do not know when man first begin to use salt, but we do know that it has been used in many different ways throughout history. Historical evidence shows that people who lived over 3 000 years ago ate salted fish. Thousands of years ago in Egypt, salt was used to embalm the dead.
   Stealing salt was considered a major crime during some eras of history. In the 18th century, if a person were caught stealing salt, he could be put in jail. History records that about ten thousand people were put in jail during that century for stealing salt!
   Salt was an important item on the table of royalty.  It was traditionally placed in front of the king when he sat down to eat. Important guests at the king’s table were seated near the salt. Less important guests were given seats farther away from it.
   In the Roman Empire, one of the most important roads was the one that carried salt mines to Rome.  Guards were stationed along the route to protect against salt thieves.The guards received their pay in salt, hence the English word, salary.
   In the early days of the United States, salt was very scarce. So, the storekeeper of pioneer days was very careful with his salt. In the modern world salt has many uses beyond the dining table. For example, it is used in the making of glass, in the growing of crops, and so on. Salt even helps to relieve itching when it is rubbed on mosquito or other insect bites.