Europe 1648-1945: A History of Drug Use and Abuse

Publication of "Medical Observations Cencerning the History and Cure of Acute Diseases"

Apr 8, 1676

Thomas Sydenham
In 1676, Thomas Sydenham published his famous text prescribing his tincture Laudanum for the treatment of a number of ailments. This instigated the first popularization of opium products in Europe.

Opening of Café de Procope in Paris

Apr 8, 1689

Café de Procope
Café de Procope, the first coffee house in Paris opens in 1689. Coffee houses such as this would go on to play a major role in he French Enlightenment.

First Opium War

Apr 8, 1839

First Opium War
The First Opium War, lasting from 1839-1842 resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, the first of several treaties giving European powers trading rights in China.

First Extraction of Cocaine by Dr. Friedrich Gaedcke

Apr 8, 1855

First Extraction of Cocaine
The first published extraction of the alkaloid cocaine in its pure form. Cocaine would go on to become one of the most popular recreational drugs in Europe.

First Synthesis of Amphetamine by Lazar Edeleanu

Apr 8, 1887

First Synthesis of Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a powerful synthetic stimulant which became an important medicinal and recreational drug, and was used extensively in WW2.

Signing of the International Opium Convention

Apr 8, 1912

The International Opium Convention
The international Opium Convention was ratified by 13 nations in 1912, and adopted worldwide after its incorporation into the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. It set the framework for drug prohibition all over the world.