Origins of an Iconic American Soda
Dr. John Pemberton invented this syrup in 1886 which was purchased by Asa Candler in the 1890s. Tasters said it was delicious when combined with carbonated water. Although denied by its namesake company, historical evidence suggests the recipe for what was then sold as a tonic combined coca leaf extract with the Kola nut. An early 20th century article in Life Science magazine detailed Asa Candler's diligence as a pharmacist to remove the illegal drug from the recipe. However, scientists were unable to effectively remove all trace psychoactive elements until 1929.
Origins of an Iconic American Soda
Bicycle Face!
The 1890s bicycle craze in America was especially popular with women enjoying a new freedom they didn’t have before such as unchaperoned travel. The popularity of cycling caused a moral panic. According to late 19th century medical journals, doctors quickly diagnosed a new malady called ‘Bicycle Face’. This illness was discribed as 'leaving women with flushed faces, bulging eyes, clenched jaws, and overall expressions of weariness'. In time, with the advent of the automobile in the 1900s, the public health fear of ‘Bicycle Face’ was replaced by ‘Horseless Carriage Face’.