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Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails

Camper English

 

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. Modern cocktails like the Old-Fashioned, Gimlet, and Gin and Tonic were born as delicious remedies for diseases and discomforts. In Doctors and Distillers, cocktails and spirits expert Camper English reveals how and why the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same.

Doctors and Distillers

$18.00Price
Out of Stock

    4128 NE Sandy Blvd Portland,OR - 503.384.2473 - viviennepdx@gmail.com

    Thursday-Monday 11am-6pm - Secret Bar at Noon 

     PORTLAND'S CULINARY BOOKSTORE

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    Vivienne is Portland's independent, woman-owned cookbook store. We also carry kitchenwares,linens, + natural wine.

     

    We host a wine bar daily, book and kitchenware consignment, cookbook classes, private parties, and more.

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