In 18th Century Britain, The Royal Navy legislated a certain quantity of gin be on board every vessel, as it was thought that gin had medicinal qualities. Lemons were originally supplied to ships to prevent deficiencies in Vitamin C, but with investments in Caribbean lime plantations they switched to limes. The gimlet is said to be invented by officer and surgeon to the royal navy, Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette – gin to “fortify” and lime cordial to “immunize”.