Throughout history, humans everywhere have searched for remedies to heal our bodies and minds. Covering everything from ancient herbs to cutting edge chemicals, this book looks at 250 of the most important moments in the development of life altering, life saving, and sometimes life endangering pharmaceuticals. Illustrated entries feature ancient drugs like alcohol, opium, and hemlock; the smallpox and the polio vaccines; homeopathic cures; and controversial medical treatments like ether, amphetamines, and Xanax while shining a light on the scientists, doctors, and companies who brought them to us.