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Doctors and Distillers with author Camper English on Zoom

The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails

Trace the overlapping history of alcohol and medicine from nutritional beer consumed in ancient Egypt up through high-proof hand sanitizer used to thwart Covid, along the way encountering medicinal wine, botanical liqueurs, alchemists, apothecaries, scientists, and quacks.

Cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Gin & Tonic, and Gimlet were medicinal drinks once upon a time. Attendees will learn how the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same.

Camper English is a regular speaker on the history of alcohol and medicine, the science of cocktails, and clear ice. The New York Times recently wrote of Camper, "(he) has a flair for digging up fun facts," and the Washington Post described Doctors and Distillers as "a rollicking, quirky story." Camper educates and entertains audiences with wit, humor, and delightfully detailed scientific and historical expertise.

This program will be recorded. The recording will be sent to everyone who registers and will be available for 2 weeks after the program.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Memorial Hall Library. 

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