History Extra podcast Cocaine: a Victorian sensation
Oct 28, 2024
Dr. Douglas Small, author of "Cocaine, Literature, and Culture, 1876-1930," delves into the fascinating history of cocaine in Victorian Britain. The conversation reveals how Edward Weston, a celebrated athlete, sparked a craze for coca leaves that permeated popular culture. Small discusses the transformation of coca from a ritualistic plant into a commercialized drug, the sensational pedestrianism sport of the 1870s, and the initial public perception of cocaine as a wonder drug before concerns over addiction arose.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Weston's Coca Use
- Edward Weston, a famous Victorian athlete, used coca leaves in an 1876 pedestrianism race.
- This sparked interest in coca and its derivative, cocaine.
Coca and Victorian Sport
- Weston's coca use wasn't considered cheating; it was seen as innovative.
- Victorians viewed it as a sign of a modern, scientifically advanced athlete.
Coca's Rise in Popularity
- Coca became a popular ingredient in various products after Weston's race.
- These included coca wine, tea, chocolate, and even a coca and tobacco mixture.