A year and a half ago a strange affliction appeared, first in the Midwest, then in every part of the country. People found their feet, hands, necks becoming paralyzed. Victims, their consciences uneasy, called the palsy "Jake paralysis." Medical research confirmed their suspicions. Everyone afflicted was a drinker of Jamaica ginger, as an intoxicant or a medicine (TIME, March 24, 1930). Followed a frenzied search by the Government for the specific cause. Chemists eventually revealed the poison as the phosphoric acid ester of tricresol. Its inclusion in the beverage was a manufacturers' accident....
Medicine: United Jakers
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