
The heady history of humans and alcohol
Alcohol has been a companion to humankind since the year dot: as an enjoyable beverage and addictive substance, but also as a hygienic alternative to water and even as a remedy for intestinal worms. A short cultural history of an everyday toxic substance.
![Distillation of alcohol [?] on an open fire by a country road. Etching by Johann Balthasar Bullinger (the Elder), 18th century.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/destillation-von-alkohol-d-32444.webp)
Beer: a hygienic thirst-quencher and pick-me-up


Spirits as waters of life


The alcohol problem
