Doctors used leeches for infections
For a long time, bloodletting was a recommended treatment in case of infections and other illnesses. This might seem surreal and even hilarious today, but one hundred years ago leeches were common practice, especially since the treatment was apparently painless.
Another substance that was commonly used to treat certain diseases and ailments, such as syphilis or even melancholy. Mercury is highly toxic, so its use in medicine as ointment, was not really helpful to patients who received such treatment. Unfortunately, until penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Dr. Alexander Fleming and became popular after two decades, mercury remained one of the main medical practices.
People were pushing for alcohol ban
Known as the temperance movement at first, the urge for moderation started in the 1800s. In time it led to the push for the complete ban of alcohol production and consumption. The state of Maine was the first one to prohibit alcohol in 1846, with people supporting the decision.
The movement culminated with the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution ratified in 1920, which prohibited alcohol across the United States territory.
Fast forward 100 and something years later and the situation is a bit different. Alcohol consumption is now legal, with people enjoying it (a bit too much) on every occasion, special or otherwise.
