jan 1, 1859 - Cocaine was isolated from coca leaves.

Description:

After scientists discovered the chemical components (morphine) of opium (a natural plant) were higher in potency in 1804, they were on the hunt to use chemicals to "improve" nature. Coca leaves themselves only contain about 1% of cocaine, after the cocaine is extracted from the leaf it is found to be about 90% more potent.

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