Four 15th century French thieves formulated and wore a special blend of vinegar, clove, rosemary and other botanicals that they believed provided protection while they were stealing. The thieves were stealing from both the living and the dead – so they were in need of extra protection!
Soon their crimes caught up with them and the thieves were captured. Authorities were intrigued. Why had none of the four thieves fallen ill? The only explanation had to be the special formula worn by the thieves!
The authorities struck a deal of mercy on the condition that the thieves divulged the ingredients in their secret formula.