1592: Venetian botanist describes hashish intoxication in Egypt

1592: Venetian botanist describes hashish intoxication in Egypt.

Prospero Alpini (November 23, 1553 – February 6, 1617), was a Venetian botanist and physician, who travelled to Egypt in the 16th Century in order to learn about exotic plants. In his medical work, ” De Medicina Aegyptorium”, Alpini describes the intoxicating effects of hashish:

“For an hour afterwards, those who have taken it, display there madness, and remain for a long time in a state of ecstasy, revel in their delightful dreams. This drug is a favorite for the common people because it is bought at a reasonable price.”

Also in this work, Alpini makes himself the first European to mention coffee in writing, as well as introducing the west to the banana and the baobab tree.