Ex-Confederate invents Coke

Confederate Army Colonel John Pemberton was wounded in the Battle of Columbus, Georgia in April 1865. He became addicted to morphine during his recovery. He invented Coca-Cola while trying to create something that would counteract his morphine addiction.

In May, 1886, Coca Cola was invented by Pemberton a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia. John Pemberton concocted the Coca Cola formula in a three legged brass kettle in his backyard. The name was a suggestion given by John Pemberton's bookkeeper Frank Robinson.

The original Coca-Cola prototype was both alcoholic and coked-up with (cocaine). He first touted that version as “a most wonderful invigorator of sexual organs.” Cocaine was removed in 1903.

Dr. Pemberton never realized the potential of the beverage he created. He gradually sold portions of his business to various partners and, just prior to his death in 1888, sold his remaining interest in Coca-Cola to Asa G. Candler. An Atlantan with great business acumen, Mr. Candler proceeded to buy additional rights and acquire complete control.


http://thechive.com/2013/05/01/the-fascinating-origin-of-coca-cola-9-photos/