Community Contributor

Community

In this quiz you will learn about 10 dangerous things/substances that used to be "normal" in the past.

Dangerous Things That Used To Be Normal In The Past

Cocaine was widely used in medicine about 100 years ago. It was available without a prescription at most drug stores. It was used as a sedative for children as well as a treatment for coughs and toothaches.

Cocaine

100 years ago, what substance, that was available without a prescription, was used to treat coughs & toothaches.

Originally one serving of Coca Cola had 9 mg of cocaine in it. Combined with the caffeine it created a super-powerful effect stimulating all the systems of the person drinking it. However in 1903, they removed Cocaine as an ingredient from this famous drink.

Coca Cola

Originally one serving of what beverage had 9 mg of cocaine in it

William Halsted was a physician who used Cocaine as an anesthetic during surgery. He then started taking it recreationally, thus becoming the first recorded addict.

William Halsted

Who was the first ever recorded Cocaine addict?

At the beginning of the 20th century, Americans could lawfully send children through he mail. It cost 15 cents if the child weighted less than a standard parcel.

Mail them

At the beginning of the 20th century, what could Americans lawfully do to children?

The stamp would be attached to the child's clothing. Mailmen would accompany the children via train to their final destination.

On their clothing

Where did the stamp go when the child was mailed?

In the 1930s, especially in Britain, wire outdoor cages were used to "air out" infants so that their mothers could get housework done. These cages were extremely unsafe and often collapsed.

Children

In the 1930s, especially in Britain, wire outdoor cages were used for what purpose?

In the 1800s, it was popular for wealthy people to have a Hermit in their garden. The Hermits lived in makeshift homes and weren't allowed to bathe or trim their nails, but they were well fed. The homeowners would also often show the hermit off to their guests and be quite proud of their "living decorations."

A Hermit

In the 1800s, it was popular for wealthy people to have what in their garden?

Leech treatment was extremely popular in the 19th century and almost lead to the extinction of the species. The idea behind this medical treatment was to "balance" the 4 humors of the body that were thought to cause illnesses.

Leech treatment

In the 19th century, what dangerous medical treatment became immensely popular and almost lead to the extinction of a species?

Radioactive elements like polonium and uranium were found in the then-trendy laboratory and glass-blowing kits for children.

Radioactive elements

In the 1950s, what was an acceptable thing to be in toys that we now know is extremely dangerous?

Radium paint was used on the faces of watch dials to make them glow in the dark. Because the girls who painted these watch dials often "sharpened" their paint brushes in their mouths, many of them died from cancer and bone diseases caused by the Radium paint.

Radium

In the 1920s, young girls painted watch dials with paint that glowed in the dark. What was in the paint that made it glow?

Even Byers was a wealthy American socialite, athlete, and industrialist most known for winning the 1906 U.S. Amateur in golf, and his death from multiple radiation-induced cancers after consuming a popular medicine made from radium dissolved in water (that was prescribed by his doctor). He is buried in a lead-lined coffin so to protect visitors from the radiation in his remains.

Even Byers

In the 1920s & 30s there was a health tonic that was made with Radium. Who is the most famous causality of this tonic?

Voyages and discoveries, which were becoming more and more common at the time, fueled peoples' curiosity in other cultures. "Human Zoos" were seen as "proof" of Darwin's theory & white superiority. There were "zoos" in France, England & Germany. Whole tribes were often on "display" and forced to do religious rituals and war dances.

Human Zoos

In the early 19th century, there were places that displayed people from Asia & Africa. What were they called?

Asylum owners started hosting "Amusment Excursions" where people would pay to see the "crazy people" in the hospital. This was often dangerous, with patients dumping chamber pots over the heads of guests and many worse things.

Hosted "Amusment Excursions"

The mentally ill have been treated horribly in the past. What did asylum owners do that brought in a lot of money?

In the past, it was common for wealthy men to have their own room dedicated to their body parts collection. And during WWII it was common for American soldiers to bring back skulls of the Japanese soldiers they killed.

Body parts

In the past it was acceptable to collect what strange thing(s)?

Doctors used to prescribe cigarettes to new and expectant mothers for a variety of reasons. All of which is just plain crazy!

Cigarettes

In the 1940s & 50s what did doctors prescribe to expectant mothers to help with constipation and other ailments?

You should brush up on your history because you didn't do so well. Better luck next time!

Poor!

You know some things about this type of history. Good job!

Good!

You know a lot about this type of history! Congrats, you did a fantastic job!

Excellent!

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Dangerous Things That Used To Be Normal In The Past

Share This Article