Alcohol and Medicine have an inextricably intertwined history, with innovations in each altering the path of the other. The story stretches back to ancient times, when beer and wine were used to provide nutrition and hydration, and were employed as solvents for healing botanicals. Over time, alchemists distilled elixirs designed to cure all diseases, monastic apothecaries developed mystical botanical liqueurs, traveling physicians concocted dubious intoxicating nostrums, and the drinks we’re familiar with today began to take form. In turn, scientists studied fermentation and formed the germ theory of disease, and developed an understanding of elemental gases and anesthetics. In this talk, we’ll take a tour through the history of alcohol and medicine and reveal how and why the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same.

Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and speaker who has covered the craft cocktail renaissance for over 15 years, contributing to publications including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. With a background in physics and a focus on the nerdy side of mixology, he has studied everything from the history of carbonation to the science of clear ice cubes, which he wrote about in his most recent work The Ice Book. 

Doctors and Distillers has been described as “every bit as entertaining as it is educational” (Scientific American), “best savored, not shot-gunned, with a drink in hand” (Science), and “a tirelessly researched book on the centuries-long relationship between medicine and booze” (New York Times).

The lecture will take place Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 12 PM EST on Zoom. This event is open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required by Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6 PM to reserve your seat and receive login information. 

To learn more information about the Noon Lectures, please visit waring.library.musc.edu, email waringhl@musc.edu, or call (843) 792-2288.