August 24, 1853

On This Date in TWISTED-HISTORY.com in 1853 the first convention of the American Pharmaceutical Association was held. Drug companies sponsored several seminars on the use and therapeutic treatments afforded by the new drug morphine. It was stated that since morphine was derived from opium, the dosage needed to relieve pain could be accurately measured, whereas when using opium, it was a hit and miss approach as the potency of the raw opium was always in question. The drug reps explained how morphine could be used to cure opium and alcohol addiction as well as it being a safe and excellent cough medicine for babies and pregnant women. Free samples were liberally distributed.

About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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