Almost every country uses alcohol. Somewhere more, somewhere less, but the essence does not change - everyone drinks it and everywhere. Since ancient times, mankind has learned to make various strong drinks, for example, wine, about which there are many myths of ancient times. But the mass of drinking began after Mendeleev’s doctoral dissertation, “Compounding Alcohol with Water,” which took place on January 31, 1865. This date is usually called "Vodka Day".
Purpose of the work of Mendeleev
The goal of the Russian scientist was to study the solutions of alcohol and water, their dependence on changes in concentration and temperature. Dmitry Ivanovich was exclusively engaged in the study of alcohol solutions and did not say a word about their effect on the body. Therefore, to consider that Mendeleev is the inventor of vodka is too rude, because the birthday of vodka happened much earlier, in about the 10th century A.D. And who invented vodka and how it happened will be described further.
History of alcohol
Long before the invention of vodka, people learned about the intoxicating properties of certain drinks made from honey, grapes and some juices. Winemaking arose before the start of farming, when not a single person on earth heard about vodka Day, as, in fact, about the drink itself. The great traveler Miklouho-Maclay saw the Papuans who did not know how to make fire, but already knew the art of making alcohol.
Arabs got alcohol in the 6th century AD and gave it the name “intoxicant,” or, in their native language, “al kogol”. Wine began to distill to obtain alcohol. Some historians suggest that this was the reason for the ban on alcohol in Islamic countries. The story is almost the same as the happy birthday of Russian vodka, which Peter I tried to ban and even introduced a tax on drunkenness, which consisted of wearing a huge medal weighing 8 kilograms on the neck of a drunkard.
Middle Ages and alcohol
In the Middle Ages, they also knew how to get alcohol by fermenting sugary liquids. The pioneer in this area was the alchemist Valentius, who tried the product, got drunk on it and said that this elixir is magical and able to make the old man young again.
After this incident, alcohol spread throughout the world. They began to produce it from potatoes, sugar wastes and other cheap products. Alcohol quickly gained popularity, and soon no creative person could do without it.
History of Vodka
Looking under the covers of history, you can dig out the name of a Persian doctor - Ar-Razi, who conducted experiments with alcohol solutions and received pure alcohol, which still cannot be called vodka, but this discovery was the starting point of the invention of the popular drink. This opinion is most true because of the main component of vodka and alcohol - ethanol.
An interesting fact is that alcohol received its initial use in medicine and cosmetology, and it became a “drink for fun” later, and this date is known only approximately.
Vodka came to Russia a long time ago, but when exactly it is not known for certain. Some historians say that in the 16th century, others that much earlier. It is believed that Russia consumed this drink in the 12th century.
Vodka fortress has never been an important element. By tradition, 38, 45 and 56 degrees are produced. Today there are stronger varieties, the use of which on the birthday of vodka on January 31 is as advisable as celebrating the New Year and giving each other gifts.
Vodka making
For the production of traditional Russian vodka, ethyl alcohol is used, obtained from wheat and potatoes with the addition of plant materials. There are also various types of drinks containing vitamins and various synthetic substances. The difference between such products is that it is easy to drink and softly perceived by the body.
Another ingredient is water, which is extracted exclusively from springs. The main requirement for the water used: it should not contain any impurities. This is required to maintain the purity of the experiment, which began on the birthday of vodka.
Mass production of vodka began in the 15th century, and after 100 years, Russia began exporting products to Sweden. The production of a roasting drink became more perfect, and as the technology developed, the taste of the product increased.
Today, vodka is an unofficial national symbol of Russia. Vodka Day is celebrated widely and everywhere. Until the 20th century, it was this drink that was the basis for most home-made tinctures.
Pros and cons of drinking vodka
The use of alcoholic beverages finds its fans in all countries of the world. Many people celebrate Vodka Day, although almost everyone knows about the harm that alcohol causes to the body.
Alcoholism, destruction of brain cells, damage to the liver, central nervous system and kidneys. But this does not stop anyone because of the feeling of lightness that gives alcohol. In addition, many people are aware of the beneficial properties of this drink.
At low doses, drinking vodka is beneficial. After all, only 50 grams of vodka every day will make your stomach work properly. Normalization of blood circulation occurs, vodka relieves spasms and kills any bacteria.
From ancient times this drink was used as a means of traditional medicine, because it was not without reason that on January 31, on the Day of Vodka, Mendeleev defended his thesis on the properties of alcohol. Cough, sore throat, diarrhea and skin problems will go away forever with the correct use of vodka.
Remember the pros and cons of a drink before tasting it. Everything is useful in moderation!