The Good Old Days - Soda Water, p.153

Messrs. Tulloh and Co. advertise for sale a Manton’s double barrelled fowling piece, price Sa. Rs. 650 (1812)

Soda water seems to have been introduced into Calcutta in 1812. Up to that period it would appear that soda powders were in general use. Tulloh and co., in an advertisement in the Gazette of the 19^th March 1812, state that “they have received for sale a small quantity of this pleasant drink and valuable remedy for indigestion, which they beg leave to assure their customers, is as highly charged with fixed air as that manufactured in London is, when recently made. “

“It may not be necessary,” they continue, “to inform the public, that sodawater is prepared by super-saturating a solution of soda with carbonic acid gas, and that its place cannot be at all supplied by what is sold as soda powders, which are merely a mixture of salts that effervesce on being dissolved. Every one acquainted with the principles of chemistry knows, that it is impossible to reduce to a solid form a salt, which only exists in solution under a great pressure.” This strange caution is added to the advertisement: - “Care must be taken to keep the bottles on their sides – if this is not attended to, the fixed air will escape in a few days.” And for this valuable water the sum of fourteen rupees per dozen was charged; and two rupees only allowed for the return of the bottles. Well may the community of the present day congratulate themselves that this beverage, so necessary on the plains, can be obtained at the low rate that now rules.

Tulloh and Co. advertise in 1812 – Madeira wine London Particular, 16 years old Rs. 1600 per pipe or 40 Rs. a dozen

Do. 10 do. Rs. 1000 do. or 32 do.

7 do. Rs. 800 do. or 28 do.

American salmon as an article of commerce, seems to have been first imported into Calcutta in September 1815. Mr Sheppard of No. 87, Bow Bazar, advertises the fish for sale at ten rupees for a whole or five for a half fish, and twenty-five rupees for a keg.

Hodgson’s Pale Ale and Porter are advertised, in 1816, at 12 rupees a dozen quarts and 8 rupees for pints.

Messrs. Gould and Campbell advertised in June 1812 the sale of “such bills and vouchers given to the late firm of Briant and Company, by gentlemen, civil and military, &c. as may not, up to the time of sale, be taken up by the respective parties, who are hereby solicited to adjust these demands against them.”

“Real Manilla segars, or cheroots,” are advertised (in 1822) as a “sovereign remedy against  fevers and damps,” (!)