The ancients figured that what was good in these instances might
be good in others, and alcohol came into use as a medicine. It was an
antiseptic and an anesthetic and was used in combinations to form salves
and tonics. It was used to treat a host of problems, from black jaundice to knee pain and even hiccups. St. Paul advised Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach
and your frequent ailments.” Liquor was a recognized mood changer,
nature’s tranquilizer. In the Bible, King Lemuel’s mother advised, “Give
wine to them that be of heavy
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and this is how alcohol became so popular
