Amphetamines were first synthesized in 1887, but it took the invention of the bronchial inhaler by Smith, Kline and French in 1927 to really kickstart their use.
People soon discovered than when soaked in water, coffee or alcohol, the humble inhaler made an intensely powerful brew.
This little trick spawned a host of products with "brain" or "pep", cheap and easy pick-me-ups for a population trying to keep up with the rapid industrialization of the Western world.
Thus began a relentless commercial exploitation that would last over 50 years.
In 1939, concerns about amphetamine related suicidal depression, hypertension, psychosis and addiction were beginning to surface. But pharmaceutical companies brushed these aside and increased production.
The medical profession remains split on whether this is a good or bad idea.