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Cutting edge 19th century medicine
(thelemmy.club)
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this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2026
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Explanation: The 19th century, in an explosion of technological advancement, created all sorts of brand new compounds and extracts for doctors to use! Like 'cocaine' and 'heroin'!
Surely none of them with positive initial effects would end up being harmful in the long run, would they?
“The cocaine is for the patients?” - William Stewart Halsted.
I think the funniest part of his story is when he tried to get off cocaine by going on a sailing trip with only enough cocaine to get him halfway. https://maximumfun.org/episodes/sawbones/sawbones-the-man-behind-the-knick/
How can something that makes You feel like a hero be bad for you?
Heroin, the non addictive cough medicine...
It's for kids!